Your Core: Strength That Helps You Stay Independent

If you want to walk better, swim stronger, or improve your golf game, pay attention to your core.

And you don’t have to play a sport for it to matter. You use your core when you carry groceries, get out of a chair, or bend down to pick something up.

As we get older, we want to keep doing those things. We want to look after ourselves, work around the house, and enjoy our lives.

A strong core helps us do that.

What Is Your Core?

Your core is the group of muscles around your middle. That includes the muscles in your stomach, back, and sides, as well as those around your hips and pelvis.

And yes, it includes your six-pack. We all have those muscles. Some of us just hide them really well!

These muscles help keep you upright. They support your back and help you stay steady as you move.

Think about carrying a heavy grocery bag in one hand. That bag pulls you to one side. Your core helps keep you upright while you walk.

Or think a...