ABSTRACT

Core training is an important subject that is relevant both for athletes and for those looking to avoid chronic back pain. A personal trainer must have a good understanding of the core and the muscles that contribute towards core stability and core strength. In this chapter we discuss some of the theories of core stability, identify key core muscles and how they work together to create stability. We look at how their function can be assessed and how they can be trained and conditioned. A properly progressed core programme is essential for quality of movement as well as avoidance of injury. Only with an understanding of the mechanism behind core stability can our programme design and exercise prescription be safe and effective. We should be able to identify when a client has good deep abdominal muscle activation and how we can train these core muscles.