The term ‘core’ feels played out to the point it's robbed of meaning.

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We're talking less about semantics and more about real-life consequences.

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Lack of actual meaning causes lack of understanding. In this case, it can lead us off a cliff into physical dysfunction and avoidable aches/pains.

Relegating your core to a six-pack is a gross defamation of character. Maybe you've even heard the sides (obliques) are pretty cool too? Regardless, since those muscles are visible (or not, but you get the point), they get all the love.

Superficiality can be problematic, and the fact is those areas of the core are only two pieces of the puzzle. Like a good long-term relationship, what lies behind and beneath are important too. All that tissue surrounding your spine should be a synergy, keeping your central Pillar working like the powerhouse that it is.

• Our tiny spine muscles are the real MVPs. They crisscross in every direction like a woven fabric of armour. This helps resist twisting and bending that can become catastrophic. Think disc bulges, herniations, and sciatica (another misunderstood concept).
  

• Then there are the lats, which start at the shoulders and connect to your low back. Yes, they cover that much ground and do a lot more than help us strut around like a flared peacock.
  

• Next up are the diaphragms, which form the floors of your rib cage and pelvis. (FYI, the pelvic one is the muscle that makes Kegel exercises happen).
  

• Finally, there's a horizontal 'strap' muscle called the transverse abdominis (a.k.a. the TVA). It's like our body's own natural weightlifting belt. This little beauty lies behind your belly button and wraps all the way around the low back. When working the way it should, this helps cinch things in to provide support and stability; kind of like a corset, without all the mutilation.

By no means is this an exhaustive list. In fact, every muscle that attaches to your torso is part of the Pillar (core). We're talking all the stuff from your neck down to your hips. Since we don't want to bore you with an anatomy lesson, let's move on.

Hopefully you're beginning to see that this is a wicked awesome integrated 3D structure. This is important because it sets the foundation for Training: start at the centre and work your way out. That synergy we mentioned stabilizes your spine, and enables movement elsewhere. The better this happens, the more effective Upper and Lower Body Training becomes.

Our job is to show you how, with the right exercises and drills. If you're willing to Listen, we can promise to make your Training as effective as possible. In fact, 'tight' muscles respond better to strengthening than stretching. Those details will soon come, but for now, know that stretching should feel like work to get any benefit. Unless it makes you screw-faced like sitting on the can constipated, it ain't doing shit (pun intended).

Pillar (core) Training should be simple, but nonetheless can take a good amount of intentional practice. This often starts with conscious breathing (yes, many of us need to get THAT back to basics). Then comes Bracing (using breathing to create stability) in different body positions. The coolest part is once you figure those out, any exercise can become a great Pillar exercise!

Thanks for hearing us out, and we're only scratching the surface, so stay tuned for more!