Far too many people seem to believe that one’s core refers to only the abdominal (stomach) musculature. Reality is that the core is actually made up of the structure and muscles of the pelvis/hips, buttocks, low back as well as the abdominal region.
Doing only exercises to strengthen the abdominal area can be harmful if not combined with strengthening of the other regions of the core. Most of the exercises being done for the abdominal area require the stabilization of the entire core in order to be done correctly. Most people physiotherapists work with do not understand how to engage the core correctly therefore improper strengthening work can lead to injury. Also if the pelvic/hip and low back structure is not functioning properly the strengthening exercises may cause more harm than good. Our physiotherapists can test and assess your core strength and make sure you are firing all the core muscles correctly. Then they can get you started on a program that will do only good for your ever important core.
Everybody should be doing both core strengthening and flexibility exercise but only if they are being done correctly and the underlying structure is functioning as it should. Our physiotherapists can help you achieve your goal of proper core strengthening while decreasing your pain and increasing your range of motion.
The core is key to our spinal health and good posture. The Core physiotherapists will help you find your core! In the meantime here are some core exercises to help you get started on strengthening your core correctly. These can be found in video form @ www.thinkcore.ca
The three core strengthening exercises to start with are:
1. Bird/Dog
2. Dead Bug
3. Quadruped lift offs
2-3 sets of each exercise going only until slight fatigue. Enjoy finding your core!
