Power from the centre: Why your centre is the key to performance, posture and health

Atthe centre of our body is an often underestimated powerhouse: the middle of the body - also known functionally as the core muscles or, in sports jargon, the core. Anyone who thinks that this is just the visible "six-pack" is very much mistaken. The deep muscles between the diaphragm and pelvis are the basis for almost every movement. They stabilise, coordinate and protect - and help determine our performance, posture and susceptibility to injury.

The centre of the body consists of much more than just the abdominal muscles. It is a muscular interplay of:

- Deep abdominal muscles (transversus abdominis),

- back extensors and the deep plexus of back muscles(multifidus, quadratus lumborum),

- diaphragm,

- pelvic floor,

- and, to a certain extent, the gluteal muscles and hip flexors.

Together they form a muscular corset that protects the spine, controls movement and coordinates the interplay between the upper and lower body.

Stability protects against injuries
A well-trained torso acts like an internal shock absorber. It protects the spine, keeps the joints in position and reduces incorrect loading. Particularly in dynamic sports - from running to skiing - it can significantly reduce the risk of overloading, muscle strains and even slipped discs.

Efficient power transmission
Whether sprinting, pushing, jumping or pulling - power must flow through the centre of the body. If it is unstable, performance is lost. A strong core, on the other hand, ensures optimum power transmission and harmonious interaction between all the muscle chains involved.

Posture, balance and body awareness
The deep muscles keep us in balance - both physically and energetically. A stable centre means an upright posture, better coordination, less back pain - and a self-confident appearance that goes far beyond the sporting context.

Connecting body and mind
A conscious approach to the centre of the body also trains body awareness. Learning to work from the centre not only trains the muscles, but also the mind - concentration, breath control and stability are linked.

Effective abdominal muscle training is not synonymous with classic abdominal exercises. On the contrary: if you only do crunches, you neglect important parts of the deep muscles - and risk imbalances.

Professional core training includes:

- Static holding exercises such as planks and side planks,

- functional movement patterns such as Bird Dog, Dead Bug or Glute Bridge,

- Rotation and anti-rotation exercises such as Pallof Press or Woodchopper,

- Full-body exercises with unstable supports or additional loads.

The goal: stability in the centre - with simultaneous mobility in the limbs.

On holiday, you don't want to improvise, you want to enjoy - even when training. And that's exactly what the exclusive partner hotels on hotelsINshape.com offer: state-of-the-art fitness areas, well-equipped studios, functional zones and experienced trainers who know what core training is all about.

Instead of a yoga mat in your hotel room, you can expect professional equipment - from unstable equipment such as BOSU and balance pads to pulleys and sling trainers to guided courses focussing on functional core stability. Many of our partner hotels also offer special core classes, personal training or individual training plans tailored to your needs - whether to improve your performance or prevent back pain and tension.

Whether in the morning after breakfast or as an active balance after hiking, cycling or skiing: Targeted core training strengthens you from the inside out - and allows you not only to enjoy your holiday, but also to emerge physically stronger.

The centre of the body is far more than just a fashionable buzzword. It is a functional centre, stability guarantor and performance booster all in one. If you train it, you benefit in all situations - from trail running to everyday office life, from sport to regeneration.

Invest in your centre. Because real strength starts on the inside.