The "core" of your body is where your center of gravity is located — around your trunk. Strong core muscles provide support to your spine for everything you do — whether you're walking, lifting, standing or sitting.
Over time, a weak core can leave you susceptible to poor posture and injury. For instance, if you have weak core muscles, you may be more likely to experience nagging lower back pain.
But you can work to strengthen your core muscles, just as you would your biceps or triceps to strengthen your arms. In the following slides, Charles Davis, a physical therapist at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., shows you how.
