Ten years ago, core strength was not a part of most people’s fitness vocabulary. In the space of a few short years however, it’s come to be thought of as essential and everyone from ballet dancers to boxers, mums to be and those recovering from injuries, are adding core strengthening into their exercise regimes.

 Colleen Brummer of Energy Pilates studio says that the concept of core strength has changed the way people tackle fitness, describing it as a “movement to mindful exercise - away from the no pain, no gain mentality of the ‘80s.  We not only educate clients on proper form but on how they can become more powerful in their workouts by building strength from the inside out.”

 Everybody benefits from core training. And it’s not just about enviable abs either. The benefits of a strong core are far reaching, both for athletes and for more sedentary types. “It helps with everything in life,” says personal trainer Nadine, owner of What it Takes. “It prevents injury, it improves posture and you get a better workout.”

 Those who are already fit because they compete in triathlons, lift weights or play team sports still need to work on their core. Nadine has been training the national ball hockey team for several months now and although they are great at running, she says when it comes to core strength there is plenty of work to be done.

 It is a common misconception that core muscles are another name for abdominals. The core certainly includes abs, but it also refers to the muscles of the back from hips to shoulders, the obliques, the pelvic floor and the diaphragm. In other words, all the muscles that support the torso. “The best way to build core strength is to make the torso muscles work as a solid unit - both front and back muscles contracting and stabilising at the same time,” explains Colleen.

 Back and hip pain and shoulder instability may all be signs of a weak core, which is why core stabilising exercises are often used to both treat and prevent such injuries. “Once these [core] muscles are strong, stable and balanced, the spine is protected and we can help to prevent postural imbalances that can lead to injury,” she explains.

 Pilates and yoga are some of the most mainstream exercise forms that can help to strengthen the core. Nadine, however, now teaches a group class as well as one on one sessions in TRX. Originally developed for Navy Seals, this “all core, all the time” suspension training involves the use of straps so that one is using one’s body weight and gravity to develop core strength, balance and endurance.

 There is no doubt that a strong core is essential for good all round health and fitness. Both Nadine and Colleen emphasise however that core strengthening alone is not enough. “Core strengthening is only part of a complete health and fitness program - cardiovascular training, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility and, of course, nutrition are just as important and must be included,” says Colleen.