The core refers to the musculature between the bottom ribs and the top of the pelvis. The pelvis is the bowl-like bony structure connecting the upper and lower body at the hip joints and sacrum (lowest part of the spine).

We can think about the core and pelvis as the area of the body allowing us to move freely through space while feeling confident and secure. The stability of the pelvis allows for ease at the hip and is the basis for proper alignment of the spine. Strengthening and grounding travels between the core and the lower body, while lifting and opening flows from the core to the upper body. When engaged, the core supports the lower back, holds alignment in the pelvis, lends to the safe opening of the chest and shoulders, and encourages the grounding of the feet. You might think of the this region in the body as a central hub where energy expands out from the center and is received again.

The following pages will help you understand the stability of the pelvis, activate the core and recognize their connections with to the upper and lower body.