Agility handling is a game of precision, speed, and split-second decision-making. Yet, many handlers find themselves struggling with late cues, unstable turns, or inconsistent movement—issues they often blame on technique alone. While skill and timing are crucial, there’s another often-overlooked factor that could be holding you back: core strength.

A weak core can lead to inefficient movement, slower reaction times, and even increased injury risk. By improving your core strength—specifically in rotational, anti-rotational, and anti-flexion movements—you can dramatically enhance your handling ability.

Agility handling requires constant rotation—whether it’s turning your shoulders to cue your dog or pivoting to change direction. Rotational strength is what allows you to twist powerfully and efficiently without losing balance.

If your core lacks rotational strength, your turns will feel sluggish, and your cues may be delayed. Exercises like Russian twists, band wood chops, and bicycle crunches help train this type of strength, making your movements sharper and more responsive.

Just as important as the ability to rotate is the ability to resist unwanted rotation. Anti-rotational strength keeps your body stable when making reaching peak speed, making quick lateral movements or handling on uneven terrain.

Without it, you may feel wobbly or off-balance when trying to execute tight turns or maintain a strong position on course. Exercises like Pallof presses, single-arm carries, and resistance band holds strengthen your body’s ability to resist excessive twisting forces, keeping you grounded and in control.

Agility courses demand speed, but if your core isn’t strong enough to resist bending forward, you may find yourself collapsing into poor posture, leading to inefficient movement and fatigue.

Anti-flexion strength helps keep your torso upright, that can slow you down or throw off your timing. Deadlifts, planks, and farmer’s carries are excellent ways to develop this strength, ensuring you stay tall and powerful throughout your runs.

Agility isn’t just about how well your dog moves—it’s also about how well you move.

By building rotational, anti-rotational, and anti-flexion strength, you’ll notice better control, quicker reactions, and a stronger presence on the course.

If you’ve been feeling off in your handling, it might not be your technique that’s the problem—it might be your core. Strengthen it, and you’ll unlock new levels of precision, speed, and confidence in your handling.

Have you ever felt off-balance, slow to cue, or just not as smooth as you’d like on course? A weak core could be the missing piece.

Strengthening your core will give you the stability, power, and control needed for sharper turns and quicker reactions.

Our All-Access Pass includes ALL 6-week courses and weekly coaching, they’re designed to build this essential strength so you can move better and handle with confidence. Are you ready to step up your game and feel the difference in every run? Let’s get stronger together!

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