In contrast to popular belief, the core not only encompasses the abdominals or the six-pack muscles on the front of the body, but also some smaller and larger muscles that are involved in stabilizing the lumbo-sacral-pelvic region, or as more commonly known, the torso (which includes the low back).

This includes muscles in the back, hips, pelvis and trunk. Furthermore, this includes the passive structures that help transmit or dampen forces such as fascia (connective tissue network), bones, tendons and ligaments.

Functional Core

And let’s not forget, all of these fall under the control of the nervous system. For our purposes here, this includes the brain, spinal cord and the nerves that activate those core muscles.

All of these systems must work together to form a fully functional core. 

And a fully functional core is what will protect you from low back pain and optimize your performance.

In my book, those are both worthy outcomes!

So to help you continue on your journey of back pain relief and optimal core performance, here is another short video clip.

This one shows the proper execution of the side plank, which will really hit the obliques (love handle area) while minimizing potentially dangerous compressive loading on the spine.

To your optimal core function and performance.

Dev Chengkalath