Your core (back and abdominal muscles) are key to optimum sports performance. This area acts as a transmission, allowing your limbs to exert maximum force and power. A weak core can lead to reduced sports performance, as it may not allow you to direct all the power you’re generating where you need – through the track, for example, if you are a sprinter. Lack of core strength can also increase your risk of injury. It can also reduce your ability to withstand challenges, knocks and hits in football, rugby and other contact sports