Core Training Blog by Physical

Continuing our blog series, we’re taking a deep dive into the trends where we specialise – something Physical is uniquely placed to do as a market leader in 13 of the ACSM’s top 20 fitness trends for 2023.

The topic this time: core training, which comes in at #11 on the ACSM’s trend rankings for 2023.

Core training is an interesting one, because it’s about far, far more than simply developing a six-pack. It is, as the ACSM explains in its report, about “conditioning the stabilising muscles of the trunk, abdomen and back” to in turn “improve the overall stability of the trunk and transfer that to the extremities, enabling the individual to meet the demands of activities of daily living and for the performance of various sports that require strength, speed and agility”.

In short, core strength and stability is the foundation on which a strong, healthy and energetic body is built. It’s about balance, stability and strength to carry out everyday movements safely and without injury.

This broader definition is reflected in the ACSM’s list of core training tools: stability balls, half-ball balance trainers such as the BOSU Balance Trainer, foam rollers, body weight, free weights… all of which (bar body weight!) you’ll find in the Physical catalogue.

And of course, it means core training is no longer just about ab exercises – crunches and the like – being thrown in as an afterthought at the end of a workout. In fact, as functional training continues to grow in popularity (it’s trend #5 this year), core training is increasingly integrated into all movements of a workout.

It comes back to the fact that our core muscles are responsible for stabilisation, flexion, extension and rotation of the trunk; it simply isn’t possible to perform whole-body functional movement patterns without involving the core.

And so all of a sudden, core training is at the forefront, harnessing the full line-up of functional training equipment in the gym. And it becomes clear just how interlinked many of the ACSM’s trends are this year. Body weight training (#3), functional training (#5), core training (#11)… each feeds off the other in so many workouts these days.

And let’s not forget about pilates, which is rooted in strengthening the core and developing postural alignment as the foundation of a strong body. Through our exclusive partnership with leading global expert Merrithew® Physical can provide everything you need for a world-class pilates offering, from an exceptional range of pilates reformers – including some fabulous space-saving options – to a wide range of props and accessories: pilates rings, blocks, balls, bands, mats and so on.

It's time to stop seeing core training as a few isolated exercises, instead recognising the value of incorporating it throughout a workout to build a body that’s fit for life.