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Jun
20
Do you have back pain? If you also practice Pilates or other core-strengthening exercises, the two could be related. In a startling reversal of the last decade of accepted practice in fitness training that core health is all about strengthening one set of abdominal muscles, sports scientists are questioning whether this actually gives you a stronger back – or if it’s even safe! The amount of load the spine can safely bear for example, is greatly reduced if you pull in your navel, or press your back against the floor doing sit-ups, curling up one spinal segment at a time. What seems to have shifted is the definition of ‘core’. The corset of muscles circling and holding your spine in place, your core actually consists of up to twelve sets of muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso.
A stable core keeps your spine upright while your body swivels around it. The new research suggests that if you concentrate only on abdominal conditioning, you risk destabilizing the spine by pulling it out of alignment. The video on the link demonstrates right and wrong ways to perform certain exercises. A core exercise program should emphasize all of the major muscles that girdle the spine, including but not concentrating on the abs.
There are many exercises available for developing strong abs and building core strength, but first do this one minute core muscle strength and stability test to determine your current core strength. You can also then use it to gauge your progress over time.
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