Defintion of “Core Strength”
Forget the Form..... Look at that Scarf!!!
What do you think of when you hear the word, “Functional Training”, “Core Training” or “Core Strength”?
Wikipedia defines, Functional Training as:
“Functional training involves mainly weight bearing activities targeted at core muscles of the abdomen and lower back. Most fitness facilities (GLOBO GYMS) have a variety of weight training machines which target and isolate specific muscles. As a result the movements do not necessarily bear any relationship to the movements people make in their regular activities or sports. Functional training attempts to adapt or develop exercises which allow individuals to perform the activities of daily life more easily and without injuries”
Who really cares if you can lay down on a machine and leg press an elephant? But can you overhead squat your own bodyweight? Or 50% of your bodyweight?
A lot of lip service is given to “core strength” these days with lots o’ fancy balls and half balls i.e. Bosu Balls out there. But, if you cannot maintain your MIDLINE STABILITY by keeping your spine stable in a variety of functional positions…you don’t have “core strength.”
The overhead squat is the MECCA of core exercises. The difference between what you can front squat and what you can overhead squat is a direct measurement of your true core strenth.
Taken from: San Francisco CrossFit
How do you think the definition differs from people that go to a GLOBO GYM vs. a CrossFitter’s definition?
cfsiouxfalls.com 
February 27, 2010 at 9:39 pm
gosh, thats a stylin’ scarf!
February 27, 2010 at 10:02 pm
So why do we need functional core strength? Your core is the reason you can sit upright, walk upright, get up from a chair/toilet……you get the picture. The stronger your core, the better your posture, the better your posture the longer you can sit at your desk at work without pain (however our bodies were made to move not sit), run longer further faster, carry your purse, fourteen bags of groceries, two kids and text message all at one time…..Here is a good example, sit down (or stand) and slump your shoulders forward, then try to lift your arm above your head. Now sit up tall and do that same movement. Should be obvious which is easier….End of lecture. I just could resist, functional core strength is everything to everybody, and you don’t get it by isolating muscle groups on machines…amen!