{"id":153162,"date":"2025-12-21T17:03:06","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T22:03:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runningmagazine.ca\/?p=153162"},"modified":"2025-12-21T17:03:06","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T22:03:06","slug":"runners-your-poor-core-strength-might-be-slowing-you-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runningmagazine.ca\/sections\/training\/runners-your-poor-core-strength-might-be-slowing-you-down\/","title":{"rendered":"Runners: your poor core strength might be slowing you down"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cCore work\u201d often gets lumped in with ab exercises, but for runners, the core does far more than help with sit-ups. These muscles play a steady, behind-the-scenes role in how you balance, how you absorb impact and how long you can hold your form before things start to go sideways.<\/p>\n

Research<\/a> has linked core training to improvements in balance and athletic control, both of which matter when you\u2019re running on tired legs or uneven ground. Here’s how you can get your core area working harder for you.<\/p>\n

\"woman<\/p>\n

What experts mean when they talk about the core<\/h2>\n

A recent article in The Manual<\/em><\/a> explains that the core is better thought of as a support system than a single muscle group. It includes the muscles at the front and sides of the torso, the deeper muscles of the lower back, the pelvic floor, the muscles that help control spinal movement and the glutes. Together, they stabilize the pelvis and spine while the legs do the work of moving you forward.<\/p>\n

For runners, this matters because these muscles don\u2019t just generate strength\u2014they control it. They help you stay upright, keep your stride from falling apart and absorb impact when fatigue sets in.<\/p>\n

4 core moves every runner needs to master<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n