Why is everyone talking about the core?

If you practise Pilates or yoga, you've probably heard the word "core" countless times – sometimes maybe a little too often. But there's a very good reason behind it: the core is our centre of gravity, the root of our stability, and the mechanism that lets us move safely and precisely – in almost any situation.

Before we start, what exactly is the "core"?

When we talk about core muscles, we mean a deep group of muscles that surround the centre of the body and support posture, movement and breathing.

They include, among others:

• The deep abdominal muscles (especially the transversus abdominis)

• The lower back muscles

• The pelvic floor

• The diaphragm

• The internal and external obliques

• The small multifidus muscles alongside the spine

What makes these muscles special is that they work isometrically (without visible movement) to stabilise rather than to move. So even if we don't see them working, they're there, beneath the surface, holding the body, balancing it and absorbing loads.

Why is it so important to strengthen the core?

1. Preventing pain and injury – a weak core isn't always felt right away, but it can overload other joints, distort posture and cause chronic pain (mainly in the lower back, hips and neck). Correct, precise strengthening can reduce or even prevent it.

2. Everyday function – what do lifting a child, a long drive, sitting at a computer and standing on one leg have in common? They all require control and use of the core. With a stable base, every action becomes more precise, easier and safer.

3. Deep, effective breathing – the diaphragm, an integral part of the core, is affected by stress, poor posture and muscle weakness. Correct practice improves breathing quality and helps calm the nervous system overall.

4. Better physical performance – whether it's functional training, running, dancing or tennis, strong core muscles allow controlled movement, precise jumps, soft landings and stability on the move.

For women, strengthening the core is especially important – not only for posture and stability, but also to support the pelvic floor, reduce back and pelvic pain, and recover after pregnancy and birth. A strong core brings confidence in movement, better control of the body and a deep sense of inner connection – at every stage of life.

And how does it work in practice, in Pilates and yoga?

In Pilates:

Joseph Pilates's approach treats the core as the body's centre of strength – what he called "the powerhouse". Almost every exercise, even one that looks "simple", is built to engage the core – especially the deep inner muscles that are hard to reach in regular training.

What makes Pilates special is the combination of precise movement, a unique way of breathing (diaphragm, remember?) and slow control – which makes the core work even when it isn't "centre stage".

In yoga:

Yoga is very much about balancing forces – lengthening and contracting, movement and stillness. Poses like downward dog, warrior III or boat pose (navasana) require conscious engagement of the core while breathing deeply. And the transitions between poses need gentle control from within – which naturally strengthens the stabilising muscles.

A few insights and tips for mindful core practice:

• Don't confuse load with precision – sometimes a small, precise exercise engages the core much more than another set of crunches.

• Add the breath – correct breathing (like the one you've learned in Pilates class) activates the diaphragm, settles the nervous system and increases core activation.

• Attention is the name of the game – simply being aware of your core while moving, even in daily life, makes it more likely to work correctly. Try to feel it when you get up from a chair, pick something up from the floor or drive.

Strengthening the core isn't a goal in itself – it's a tool that lets us move better, feel more confident and be more present in our body. Whether you're in a Pilates class, a yoga class or just on your way to the supermarket, your core is there. The question is – are you connected to it?