\u201cCore strength tends to decline with age primarily because of sarcopenia, reduced physical activity, and changes in neuromuscular coordination,\u201d explains Dr. Walters. \u201cBeginning in midlife and accelerating after about age 60, skeletal muscle mass and strength gradually decrease. At the same time, people often move less, which further reduces the mechanical loading required to maintain trunk muscle capacity.\u201d<\/p>\n
In functional terms, the core serves as a \u201cstability system\u201d for both the pelvis and spine as you move. When the muscles encompassing your trunk lose endurance or strength, several things can happen, impacting your posture<\/a>, mobility, and balance.<\/p>\n \u201cThe trunk plays a major role in controlling the body\u2019s center of mass. Reduced trunk strength or endurance can make it harder to correct small balance disturbances,\u201d Dr. Walters says. \u201cIn addition, weakness or poor endurance of trunk muscles can contribute to greater spinal flexion or a forward-leaning posture, particularly during prolonged standing or walking.\u201d<\/p>\n It\u2019s important to note that these changes aren\u2019t inevitable. Dr. Walters says research indicates that the trunk muscles stay very responsive to strength exercises\u2014even among the older adult population.<\/p>\n What Makes Bed-Based Exercises Effective Doing exercises from bed can be surprisingly productive because they reduce hurdles that may be holding you back from exercise.<\/p>\n \u201cMany older adults avoid floor exercises due to joint pain, mobility limitations, or difficulty getting down to and up from the floor,\u201d Dr. Walters explains. \u201cFrom a biomechanical standpoint, bed-based exercises still challenge the core because they require the trunk to stabilize the spine and pelvis against gravity. Even subtle movements, such as lifting the legs or maintaining a stable trunk while the limbs move, can create meaningful activation of abdominal and spinal muscles.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n![\"Young](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/woman-Side-Lying-Leg-Lifts-exercise-on-a-bed_1542442028.jpg\")
Shutterstock<\/p>\n