National Geographic has highlighted the importance of deep core muscles in promoting healthy aging, moving beyond the focus on visible “six-pack” abs. According to the article, these deeper muscles are essential for stabilizing the spine, protecting the back, and enabling everyday movement.
Ben Yamuder, MS, CSCS, USAW-1, an exercise physiologist at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), commented on common misconceptions about core training. “When training in that manner, you isolate a very small proportion of muscles in the core,” Yamuder said. He pointed out that there are 35 muscles in the abdomen and that the rectus abdominis—the muscle often referred to as the “six-pack”—only makes up two of them.
The article notes that standard exercises such as crunches primarily target this limited area and may not benefit overall health or longevity. The piece encourages readers to consider exercises that engage a broader range of core muscles for better support and injury prevention as they age.
The full article is available at nationalgeographic.com with a subscription.
