Core strength is an important element of all three ofthe disciplines in triathlon. The Blackwater Triathlon Club has an earlymorning core strength and conditioning session for members. Core conditioningis a lot more than just doing crunches to expose that six pack. The core iscomposed of multiple muscle groups including the abdominal and low backmuscles, diaphragm, pelvic floor muscles, latissimus dorsi, hip flexors and thegluteal muscles. All these muscles work in concert to stabilize thespine while moving your limbs.Thecore is the link between the lower and upper body. The core transfers forcesand power between the lower body and the upper body. For optimal performance the core needs to be solid, toavoid energy leaks within the kinetic chain. A dysfunctional core thatineffectively transfers forces will put more strain on the limb muscles andtendons, resulting in overuse injuries. Another function of the core is to stabilize the body's centre during movements thatrequire a high degree of balance or body control. A solid core keeps your backhealthy, helps you to maintain good posture, improves your balance, enhancesperformance and prevents injuries. A strong core helps keep the legs high whileswimming and the torso upright while running. Deidre has been putting theparticipants through a range of highly effective exercises with a specificfocus on flexion, rotation, lateral flexion and the posterior core to addressall three planes of motion. Bridges, planks, knee tucks, rollouts and legraises are just some of the exercises the participants have been doing in orderto provide sport-specificcore conditioning. It’s hard work but once again the members attending thesessions are seeing the benefits.