What's Up Docs? Doctors' Notes: Core Strength
Jul 8, 2025
James Moore, a physiotherapist and co-founder of the Marlboro Health Group, dives into the importance of core strength in maintaining overall health. He explains how core muscles contribute to body functionality and debunks myths about aesthetics versus strength. Moore discusses the unique challenges new mothers face in regaining core stability postpartum and emphasizes the necessity of tailored exercise. Additionally, he highlights the physical demands of various professions, urging listeners to appreciate the role of fitness in daily activities.
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James Moore's Physiotherapy Origin Story
- James Moore's interest in physiotherapy began after a knee injury surgery at 13 unlocked by physios, inspiring his career.
- He became an Olympic and rugby physio through a passion sparked by sports and his personal journey.
Core Strength Is a Powerful Tube Not Just Six-Pack Abs
Your core is not just about having visible six-pack muscles but is a functional unit of muscles working together.
It consists of three main layers:
- The superficial muscles including the six-pack (rectus abdominis) and external obliques
- The stronger, deeper internal obliques important for pelvic health and postpartum recovery
- The deepest transverse abdominis acting like a corset, controlling spine stability and movement coordination
Core muscles work together to create internal pressure that stabilizes the spine and transfers energy during movements like lifting, carrying, or throwing.
Elite athletes often don’t have visible six-packs but possess extremely functional cores that generate powerful, coordinated movement.
Understanding and training your core as a coordinated system provides better stability and reduces injury risk much more than just aiming for aesthetics.
Core Muscles as a Functional Unit
- The core muscles form a layered, functional unit rather than just individual muscles like the six-pack.
- True core strength is about coordination and functionality, not just visible abs or aesthetics.