We have all heard about or seen the words "core strength" in reference to fitness. Most people who run, swim, bike or cross train either under-estimate the importance for core strength or do not know how to develop their core strength properly.

Your core muscles form around the trunk of the body and tie your pelvis, spine, hips, legs and shoulders together for proper movement and stability.

When you start to look at what your body is doing when being active, it becomes clear that core stability is an essential function for proper movement, endurance and performance for all athletic activity. It is important to remember sports specific movements are highly dependent on the core.

Developing a comprehensive core strength-training program is not easy to understand.

Many schools of thought are out there about how to get the best overall results for core strength: Yoga, CrossFit, Zumba, Pilates, exercise ball, planks, sit-ups or crunches and many others.

Many of the best trainers never use just one type or style of exercise, they incorporate a mix of the many ways to strengthen the core. As you develop your training, mix it up to hit all the specific muscle groups.

The most commonly identified core muscles are:

• Rectus abdominis, also referred to as the "six-pack" muscles.

• Erector spinae, group of muscles running from neck to lower back.

• External obliques, the side and front of the abdomen.

• Internal obliques under the external obliques, running in the opposite direction.

• Transverse abdominis under the obliques, it is the deepest of the abdominal muscles and wraps around your spine for protection and stability.

Core strength training is a must for runners, cyclists, tri-athletes or anyone striving for peak fitness. When your core is strong and functioning properly, it will reduce the strain on the back and legs, prevent pain, reduce joint soreness, and reduces damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons, which can make or break an amateur or professional's fitness goals and/or competitive edge.

Two great books I recommend that will give you guidance for a great jump-start on building your core are available to use methods that mix up the style and types of exercise to reach the maximum desired effect of a whole core workout: "The Complete Book of Abs" by Kurt Brungardt and "Stronger Abs and Back" by Dean Brittenham.

I have reviewed both of these books and they provide very good information for a well-balanced core strength-training program.

Once you get your core strength in place you will be amazed at how much easier all your fitness activities will become.

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.