Core strength isn’t just about getting a six-pack , it’s the foundation of your body’s strength and stability. A strong core can boost your balance, as well as help prevent back pain and falls in later years. The Telegraph reveals the top tricks and tips to get your core in shape.

We all dream of a flat stomach or even a six-pack, but there are other, arguably more important reasons to work on your core. Beyond aesthetics, a strong core is crucial for overall health, especially as we get older. And by “core muscles”, I don’t just mean the abdominals, but also the muscles in your lower back, hips and pelvis.

First off, a strong core can go a long way towards preventing back pain. The core muscles support the spine and pelvis; they help maintain proper posture and alignment, alleviating pain when they are activated. When these muscles are weak, the burden falls on the lower back, leading to strain and discomfort.

While many of us are tempted to avoid exercise when we’re in pain, in fact research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy shows core strengthening exercises can significantly reduce chronic lower back pain by improving muscle endurance and stability. Secondly, good core strength will help you stay upright as you age. Studies have shown older adults with better core strength have improved balance and are less likely to experience falls and the risks associated with them.

Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and t.