The benefits of a strong core go way beyond turning heads at the beach. 

Don’t get us wrong, 6-pack abs look great. But your core — comprising the transverse abdominis, erector spinae, rectus abdominis and oblique and pelvic muscles — is arguably the most important group of muscles in your entire body.  

Your core is the central link that connects your upper body and lower body; almost every move you make involves these muscles. 

So beyond rocking abs of steel, here are 4 big benefits of a strong core: 

You may find everyday tasks are easier

Sitting, standing, lifting, bending, and twisting all engage your core muscles, but you might not realize it until these seemingly mundane tasks become painful or difficult. A strong core makes you better and more efficient at everything, from just getting out of bed to picking up your child to playing sports. 

You can prevent injuries and back pain

It’s not just that a strong core helps prevent pain and injuries; a weak core can often be the actual cause of it. Your core is literally what helps you stand upright, and if it’s weak, the rest of your muscles — especially in your back, hips and knees — have to work harder to support your body. 

You’ll improve stability and balance

In addition to minimizing the strain on your back, a strong core provides stability and balance. As we age, everyday activities like walking or even getting out of bed can become more difficult or even risky. A strong core helps prevent falls and enables you to maintain an active lifestyle. 

You’ll have better posture

Another benefit of a strong core is good posture, which not only makes you look slimmer and more confident, but affects your quality of life. Poor posture can compromise your ability to breathe freely and contributes to headaches as well as shoulder, neck, and jaw pain. 

As you can see, maintaining a strong core is key to an active, pain-free life!

How to strengthen your core

Luckily, you don’t need a gym membership or expensive equipment to enjoy the benefits of a strong core. 

A few simple exercises you can do at home will help you build a sturdy, healthy core — and it’s not all about crunches. 

Planks

Get into a pushup position, with your hands under your shoulders and the balls of your feet on the floor, and hold your core tight so your body stays in a straight line. Hold it for 30 seconds to start, and work your way up to a minute or more! For variation, you can try elbow plans (resting on your forearms rather than your hands) and side planks. 

Leg raises

Lie on your back on a hard surface and squeeze your core muscles to lift your heels to just above the ground. Lift your legs (together or one at a time) so they are perpendicular to the floor, then slowly return them to starting position. Repeat 10 times, without letting your feet touch the floor between reps. 

Bird dogs

Get into a tabletop position (on your hands and knees) with your hands directly below your shoulders. At the same time, slowly raise and straighten your right arm and left leg, pointing them at the opposite ends of the room. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then repeat with your left arm and right leg. Complete 10 reps on each side. 

And to truly reap the benefits of a strong core, be sure to feed your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its highest level. Add THRIVE Activate premium activated beverage to your THRIVE Experience!

THRIVE Activate is designed to activate your core, while supporting clean healthy energy, clarity, and performance. Practice these habits daily to ensure you’re reaping the benefits of a strong core!