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It is not about vanity. It is not about fitting into that dress for your high school reunion or looking hot for your next date. Stronger, fit abs are a necessity for your health and boy will you be glad you read this, just in time.

So much attention is paid in recent years to the importance of a firm middle. Your ‘core muscles’ are the central focus of most fitness training regimens as trainers are increasingly aware of how they affect our strength, flexibility, and metabolism. More and more people abandon the Olympic barbells and bulky dumbbells for the more creative and fun exercises with bands, pullies, and balls. And the results are incredible.

Still not motivated? Check out some of these reasons why all my patients are working their abs just about every day.

Conquer back pain. A strong core means less stress transferred to the low back during each bend, step, or seat you take. Over time, this means healthier, more fluid spinal discs, and less lost work time too.

Battle headaches – When your abs are weak, you tend to slump forward when you sit or drive. Weighing some ten to fifteen pounds, a lot of tension can build up in trying to hold up our head (incorrectly) all day long. Less tension simply translates to fewer headaches….promise.

Improve your digestion. Less postural slumping, seated or standing, frees up the digestive organs to better do their job of breaking down and absorbing our vital nutrients.

Want better sexual function? Working the Kegel muscles underneath the pelvic floor is shown to be as effective as Viagra in aiding sexual function. Try flexing them ten times every time you are at a stoplight or in an elevator. No one will even know.

How you feel about yourself. Body language can mean the difference between getting that job you want or that date you have been dying to go on. Moreover, nothing says more about someone than how they carry themselves in front of others. Stand proud and succeed!