The core involves the muscles of Yoga

The core involves the muscles between the ribs and the hips. Collectively the muscles of the core function as a supportive girdle, placing the body in optimum posture. If the core is strong, the upper body is held up easily and the weight in the spinal joints are distributed evenly without stress. On the other hand, if the core is weak, the posture collapses, there is overcompensation of the primary muscle groups, and breathing technique becomes improper. The navel, at the center of the core, is the starting point for all yoga asanas.

There are five muscle groups that make up the core in the trunk region: Rectus Abdominis, External Obliques, Internal Obliques, Transverse Abdominis, and Multifidus. These muscles control the movement of the trunk in flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation. These muscles are part of almost every body movement, they are the core of strength and power. These muscles are essential for optimum postural alignment and also prevent back injury.

1. The Rectus Abdominis muscle runs the length of the central abdominal area, from the pubic bone to the sternum. The Rectus Abdominis flexes the trunk toward the hips.

2. The External Obliques run diagonally down from the lower ribs, and connect to the front top of the pelvis and pubic bone. External Obliques aid in the rotation of the trunk. When the right External Oblique is activated, the trunk rotates to the left.

3. The Internal Obliques lie underneath the External Obliques, and run diagonally in the opposite direction of the External Obliques. The Internal Obliques start from the top of the hips, and connect to the lumbar region and the lower ribs. Internal Obliques aid in rotating the trunk in the same direction as the side they are on. The left Internal Oblique twists the torso to the left, therefore, the left Internal Oblique, and the right External Oblique work together to twist the trunk to the left.