How do you engage your core?

This week the question was asked, what do you mean by Engaging your Core?

Your core is engaged when all 4 sections of abdominal muscles are braced together and working with the muscles that are connected to your spine to stabilise the torso.

So how do you engage your core?

The simplest way is to brace yourself as if you're expecting a strong punch to the torso, and then breathe into your stomach. Your core engages naturally right before you laugh or cough.

Sucking in your stomach and holding your breath is the most common mistake people make, it is pretty much the exact opposite. Rather than sucking your stomach in, you need to focus on pulling your navel up and in towards your spine. When you do this your abs should feel tightened but you should still be able to move and breath as normal.

Knowing how to engage your core correctly will help reduce the risk of injury, core muscles working together support the spine which keeps the back safe from strain.