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5 Reasons to Strengthen Your Core

Posted By: The Editors of Women's Health on 12/23/2010

Strengthening your core (the muscles from your hips to your shoulders) is like giving yourself a full-body makeover: You'll feel smarter, younger, and better all over. Mark Verstegen, author of Core Performance (Rodale 2004), makes the case for a hard core workout.

1. It Reduces And Prevents Pain

"A strong core stabilizes you and works like a natural brace for your joints."

2. It Makes You Look Taller and Thinner

"When you strengthen your upper back and shoulders, the muscles are pulled back and down, removing any trace of a hunch."

3. It Delays the Aging Process

"A strong core keeps your body aligned, so that you can function properly."

4. It Improves Mental Function

"Having a stable and aligned spine allows your brain to receive your body's messages more efficiently."

5. It Improves Performance

"Stabilizing your core hones your fine motor skills, so you can react quickly and stay balanced on unstable surfaces."