Right Down To Your “Core”!

“Core” is probably one of the more over used and misunderstood words in the health and fitness world.  Many mistakenly believe “core” muscles to be the highly sought after ‘six-pack’ muscles.  Although these muscles, called the rectus abdominals, may look nice, they have little function with core stability. The core muscles refer to the lower abdominal and lower back muscles which support the trunk.  Each of the “core” muscles has an important job within the group.  Whether it’s stabilizing us while we bend forward and twist (shoveling for example) or keeping us upright during activity (skiing, snowboarding or winter running) our “core” must function as a group.  A properly functioning “core” group can decrease low back dysfunction by stabilizing and protecting your spine, increase overall strength and power development and improve balance, reaction time and mobility.  Not only do these muscles have a large effect on our musculoskeletal system but they also help to aid in the protection of our vital organs and abdominal cavity.

Understanding where these muscles are, what they do and how to properly and effectively work these muscles will have an enormous effect on your overall health, posture, function and performance.  Strong core muscles help to build the proper foundation for the rest of your body. An athletic therapist or physiotherapist can teach you how to engage your core muscles properly and how to progress safely through the various levels of strengthening.

Brock Tadashore is a certified Athletic Therapist, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and instructor of “Power Hour” and “Custom Core” at Maximum Physiotherapy. Call 444-3600 to find out more about these programs.