Core Muscles

The core refers to the trunk of the body, from the shoulders to the pelvis.

The corset is a group of muscles that is referred to in Pilates in the abdominal area. They are sometimes referred to as the ‘core’ and are the muscles that Pilates exercises target for stability and strength. They are called the ‘corset’ because combined they create the body’s natural corset.

The corset muscles include the diaphragm, transverse abdominis, internal obliques, multifidus and pelvic floor. These are the muscles that are closest to the spine and are our postural muscles. These muscles provide the stability and strength from which all movement begins.

The corset muscles are slow-twitch which means that they can produce a small contraction for a long period of time. They do not fatigue as quickly as fast twitch muscles which is why they are integral to the body’s stability and posture. These may also be referred to as ‘local’ muscles because they are the deep stabilisers of the body.

If there is a weakness in the corset muscles, the ‘global’ muscles groups will be used. The ‘global’ muscles are the larger muscles and are fast-twitch which means they can be activated quickly but are not intended for contractions for a long period of time. The global muscles therefore fatigue which can cause a postural imbalance. The global muscles can also become dominant which prevents the local muscles from activating correctly.

It is therefore essential to start a training program with corset and local muscle stability (and strengthening) before beginning to train the larger global muscles.