Core training is a new focus in our fitness industry. The 90's fitness world was high-impact, step aerobics and cardio mania. It was all about burning off the fat with little concern for the hip, knee and back areas. We learn from the past and now focus on core conditioning in our workout programs.

The word core is defined as the innermost part. The torso, the midsection of the body, or core, is the base of stability from which movement occurs. For the purpose of this article, consider core conditioning training the deep muscles of the spine, pelvis, hip, shoulder and scapula. When standing unsupported, you are limited by your body's weakest link. This weak link is the ability of the core, or midsection, to stabilize the body and not be pulled off balance.

Simply put, you don't build the walls and the roof of your house before the foundation. Your body's source of strength is your core, much like the foundation of a house. When building or toning a strong body, you want to build from the inside out. Build a foundation (your body's core) before you build definition in isolated muscles.

Your body goes through a sequence of movements from the inside out. You literally are unable to do an exercise if your body doesn't start at the core in stabilization. At the core, the rest of your body's natural links (the pelvic and shoulder girdles) transfer the movements and forces to the extremities, allowing you to lift the weight. The smaller joints will need to absorb less stress if your body practices and increases the ability to sequence these movement patterns. Core training respects this integrated approach, allowing the body to work in mass movement patterns and all ranges of motion. Remember, your body is a unit with the entire system working together and every segment in the chain being equally important.

To apply core training principles, instead of thinking of individual muscles, think of body movements. Lunges, squats, pushing, pulling and rotation movement patterns are good examples. When doing any type of exercise hold your abs and lower back firm to give your entire body support and stability.

In the gym we use the physio ball to help develop the core. Properly using the physio ball can enhance balance, stabilization and strength training to a specific area all at one time. We have clients sit on the ball while performing other exercises, which in turn trains the core at the same time. The benefits of core conditioning are injury prevention from daily activities and sports, as well as stronger foundations for general fitness and body building. For more information and tips on exercise, go to http://www.easyexercisetips.com