What is your core?

Core strength refers to the muscles of your abs and back and their ability to support your spine and keep your body stable and balanced. During Pilates learn how to strengthen your core, reduce back pain and get strong abs. The major muscles of your core include:

Transverse Abdominis (TVA) - The deepest of the abdominal muscles, this lies under the obliques (muscles of your waist). It acts like a corset, wrapping around your spine for protection and stability.

External Obliques -These muscles are on the side and front of the abdomen, around your waist.

Internal Obliques -These muscles lie under the external obliques, running in the opposite direction.

Rectus Abdominis -The Rectus Abdominis is a long muscle that extends along the front of the abdomen. This is the 'six-pack' part of the abs that becomes visible with reduced body fat.

What is your pelvic floor?

The pelvic floor, along with the deep abdominal muscles, provides the foundation for optimal posture and the much desired flat abdominal look. The pelvic floor refers to the muscles that lie deep within the bottom of your pelvis. These muscles connect the tailbone, sitting bones and pelvic bones from front to back and side to side.

The pelvic floor needs to be strong, because as we breathe out, the pelvic floor muscles need to lift the internal organs back up. This action is assisted by the transversus abdominis muscle, which runs from the pubic bones to the bottom of the ribcage and wraps around the torso.

By understanding the location and the action of your pelvic floor, you’ll improve your Pilates performance and be well on your way to a fit and strong core.