Learn the importance of core activation during every exercise you do, not just moves that target your abs.

Or maybe you’ve got the option to feel your pecs light up as you perform a fly.

In other words, every exercise you perform is technically a core exerciseif you do it properly.

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At the top is your diaphragm, the bodys primary breathing muscle.

At the bottom lies the pelvic floor, which plays a crucial role in pressure management, Sak-Ocbina says.

Noticeably, these muscles work hard during classic core movements such asplanks, leg lifts, andbird dogs.

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celebrity fitness trainer and founder ofThe Irish Yank Society

But less obvious is their activation during exercises that arent so core-specific.

From a performance standpoint, [the core] is very important as well.

Consider a barbell back squat.

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Without support from the core, the spine may be put in a compromised position.

Both of these compensations can lead to back pain and, in some cases, injury, she notes.

So its being used throughout every single exercise.

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A strong,stable coreprevents you from swaying to one side and topping over.

The same idea applies when youre on the stair climber or performing step-ups at the gym.

It even factors in duringsingle-leg exercises, like lunges, Henderson says.

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celebrity fitness trainer and founder ofThe Irish Yank Society

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The same idea applies to the core, Sak-Ocbina says.

So its being used throughout every single exercise.

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Khetanya Henderson, CPT

How much does background core training count?

Every workout is an opportunity for a core workout.

You dont necessarily have to sit down and do so many sit-ups and crunches and twists.

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Then, focus on your main movements, whether thats squats, deadlifts, or rows.

A deadlift requires more core bracing and activation than a seated hamstring curl, she explains.

As you move through your workout, check that youre properly bracing your core.

Then, slow down your movement.

Every workout is an opportunity for acore workout, McKenna says.

You dont necessarily have to sit down and do so many sit-ups and crunches and twists.

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