What is the core? Muscle group, benefits and key actions

So you hear your yoga teachers constantly tell you to “engage the core”, “activate the core”, “make sure the core is fully active” or any other way of telling you to use the core muscles. Do you really know what they are referring to? If you think it is just your abs, you might have to think a little bit more.

I will keep this simple so you can go back to your practice knowing what makes up your core. The core is the midsection of your body and it involves the muscles that are in the front of the body, the sides, and the back. If you are a visual person, imagine it's the whole body except legs, arms, head and chest!

MUSCLE GROUPS

Core muscles work as stabilizers for the whole body. They give strength and stability when bending or twisting. Core muscles consists of the following: