Your "core" muscles are torso muscles that support your spine. They include muscles not only in the abdomen, but also in the back, pelvic floor and hips. Developing core strength has benefits that affect overall wellness:

1. Improved posture and appearance
2. More efficient and graceful movement
3. More physical power athletically
4. Less risk of injury and muscle pain

Workouts for improving core strength include Pilates and some forms of yoga. Also popular: exercising with products that challenge you to balance yourself in ways that can strengthen the core muscles, such as stability balls.