The Importance of Keeping Core Muscles at Top Strength

When we see anybody, usually the elderly, stooped over and walking with slow steps, we usually assume that it is the ravages of time that has put them in this awkward position. We also assume that it is probably irreversible, and that the person is doomed to the condition for the rest of his life. But why does aging contort the body in such a way?

Through long hours of typing, reading, or hunched over for whatever reason throughout our lives, the muscles shorten and weaken with age. These are the core muscles that are reflected in our posture, and are centered in four areas of the body. Core muscles pertain to those found in the glutes, lower back, abdominals and obliques. These four areas will frame our posture, and if we can improve their strength and flexibility we will look and feel much better as we age.

Here is a list of some of the benefits of strengthening our core muscles:

1. Balance. Loss of balance is a major cause of injury to the elderly, and strengthening and lengthening core muscles that have contracted will allow for better balance. Yoga for seniors has become extremely popular, and one of the prime aspects of yoga is balance. Core muscle development is needed to give anyone better balance.

2. Decrease injury. By toning the muscles there will be less chance of injury, especially to the back. Stretching the hip flexors and adding strength and resiliency to the glutes and lower back will make those light lifts easier without muscle strain.

3. Improve posture. It may seem like the back muscles would have everything to do with posture, but the muscles of the upper and front part of the trunk are important. Stretching and strengthening the abdominal and trunk muscles will also strengthen the muscles of the back that extend to the spine.

4. Improving physical performance. Improving flexibility will naturally allow the freedom of movement to be able to better perform physical activities. The idea is to slowly stretch these muscles to the point of making them longer.

5. Sore muscles will not be a problem. This is because static stretching of core muscles works the connective tissue. As long as there is no quick, jerky movement during the stretch, there will be no real breakdown of the muscle and therefore no soreness.

As we can see from the benefits of a strong core, stretching and flexibility are probably more vital than actual physical strength. Fortunately, people at any age can begin doing these core exercises. Health and fitness experts recommend doing these exercise a minimum of twice a week. If this core training is done in conjunction with other exercise, either after or even during, ten or twenty minutes durations should suffice.

Core muscles, then, are vital to determining good posture, but unless you are ahead of the game and working on your core before it weakens, you probably haven't exercised for some time. Therefore it's important to know the ways to work out safely, as care must be taken even for normal stretching.

Understanding the Ways to Work Out properly is essential for anyone just starting on an exercise program. Yoga for Seniors is really an excellent way to stretch and strengthen core muscles, and is growing in popularity all the time. Rich Carroll is a writer and health advocate living in London.