I think that the importance of core strength in the sport of triathlon is far too often overlooked. We spend countless hours per week slogging it out in the pool, on the bike or out on the paths for all 3 disciplines and leave it at that.
But what about our body's core, that groups of muscles that tie our trunks and legs together that include your abs and your lower back.
I think that this is a magnificent quote that spells out the importance:
"Riding with an undeveloped torso is similar to riding a bike with a cracked frame, the power will dissipate elsewhere." - Kathy Zawadzki, CTS Certified CoachIf that simple explanation doesn't drive home how important our core muscles are to power in the sport of triathlon, then .........
The power and energy that we generate is transferred through our core, a core that is not strong but weak will result in less of that power transfer. Increase your core strength, increases your ability to transfer power.
Benefits include:
- More streamlined body in the water hence more efficient swimming
- Better power transfer to the pedals on the bike
- Hold a better more aerodynamic position on the bike due to strengthened lower back
- More drive during the run
- Overall stability
Here are some links to exercises to develop the core.
Core Exercise Training DVD: The Champion's Workout
Slide Show: Core Exercises
Time for forty winks!
Komo
2 Responses to Core - not of the apple variety
Komo - The understanding of using the body's core strength in all triathlon disciplines is something only people training by a qualified coach would be aware of - to get out and ride or run is just not enough. To use your core strength (or as I was told drive thru your stomach) does make all the difference in the ability to hold good form and power. Stability and balance exercises using a medicine ball and knelling on one of those big fit balls is a great one for this - can graduate to standing on fit ball and doing squats as core strength increases.
Big Boy
Komo,
agreed with you and Big Boy, after a lay off a few years back with knee/back issues i started pilates and core work. returning to the bike and then the run was fantastic and could hold myself so much better. also swimming went through the roof!! pool? it picked up! most people miss this in the program but definitly needs to be incorporated.
jimi.
Something to say?