It is common knowledge that a strong structure requires a solid foundation to keep it from crumbling to pieces. Just like a strong structure, a child requires a strong and well-developed core to deal with the everyday challenges and requirements of life. The core is essentially the launching pad for everything they do every day.
What is core strength and core stability?
The body’s core commonly refers to the muscles located in the abdomen, back and pelvis which are primarily tasked with supporting the spine. It forms the postural foundation of the child and is responsible for maintaining a good and strong posture during activities such as walking, running, sitting, and jumping. Core muscles are also critical for balance and stability during movement. Core stability refers to the stability of the spine and not the stability of the muscles themselves, while core strength is the ability of the muscles around the spine to contract, stabilise and protect the spine.
Imagine trying to jump as high as possible while standing in sand versus standing on solid flooring. If you jump from the sand base you will lose footing and won’t be able to apply downward force effectively, which will have a negative impact on the result. Jumping from the solid flooring however will ensure good footing and allow you to apply maximum downward force to propel you upwards. The result will be a much higher and controlled jump.
