Core Strength

August 30, 2025

As long as I have been doing yoga and receiving chiropractic care (my whole adult life), I’ve been learning about core strength and conditioning. Among the many benefits are improved stability and balance, reduced back pain, improved body composition, reduced risk of injuries, better posture, improved breathing efficiency, and increased mobility and flexibility. 

The core muscle groups include the abdominals, back, pelvic floor, spine, glutes, and diaphragm, so it’s no wonder building core strength is essential for our overall health and wellbeing. 

Yoga is my favorite way to strengthen my core, as it also brings my mind and spirit into alignment. It's a regular practice for me, and I need to keep at it. It grounds me in present moment awareness through breathing, stretching, and holding poses. When my mind is overactive or overwhelmed, I find relief on the mat as I shift my energy and attention to the physical.

Yoga weaves together the trinity of body-mind-spirit into alignment and wholeness. When I leave the mat, I try to maintain a sense of balance, stability, and strength as I go about my day. It’s certainly a challenge when the outer world looks so chaotic and unstable. I realize how necessary it is to have physical and spiritual core strength. I'm not as strong and confident as I'd like to be, which is why I keep returning to the mat.

We build strength, stability, flexibility, and resilience in our whole being by tending to our mind, body, and spirit every day. Since all three support each other, it only takes one being off balance to make the rest feel shaky. 

Finding what inspires and energizes me leads the way to core conditioning. My inner core is strengthened through attention and awareness, meditation, listening, breathing, and writing. In addition, core conditioning comes through connection, service, and trying new things. If I want better posture and energy flow from the inside out, it starts with my core and it takes practice. 

Building strength and flexibility also means moving beyond what is comfortable and familiar. We have to stretch, take chances, and push through our fears. Taking a new path brings uncertainty, but I've noticed that once I've done it, it gets easier every time. The way opens up for me with each step I take. I gain confidence and core strength.

As I talk with friends and co-workers about what's happening in our country, I hear a common question that we all share: “What can I do?” So much is out of our control and growing larger and darker by the day. It feels like David facing Goliath with nothing but an ounce of courage and a bag of stones. How do we show up and stand tall when we feel so small? 

Knowing how that story ends gives a sliver of hope and faith. I also remember some of the phrases I hear in my Yoga with Adriene practice*: 

The hardest part is showing up, and you’ve already done that.  If it’s not quiet where you are, find the inner quiet.

Keep your focus out in front of you.

Take a moment to set an intention for your day. 

Breathe lots of love in, and lots of love out. 

I’ve found that yoga is about connecting to life - the life force, the breath of life, the flow of energy and vitality. It has taught me how to be present in my body and in the world. It has given me a way to release tension, anxiety, pain, and discomfort at every level. And it has strengthened my core so I can move more freely and joyfully through my days. 

Connecting to our core being, our life force, is how we find the answer to our longing to do the right thing, to show up as our best self, and to face difficult times with courage and grace. Just like David, our strength and courage are magnified when we are connected to our Source, which is greater than anything in the world. 

Greater is the one that is in you than the one that is in the world.

I John 4:4

Rise & Rock On, 

ej

Elisa J. Juarez

*Yoga with Adriene can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene