Why Core is Key
Do you currently suffer or have you ever suffered from any of the following: Lower back pain, frequent hamstring injuries, a twisted knee or a pulled shoulder? Have you ever considered that it may not be just the fact that you slipped and twisted something or your back simply 'goes'? It could be you need to strengthen your core? Core training is a buzzword in the fitness industry that's been around for a while now. The measure of its popularity can be seen in the increased use of stability balls or Swiss in gyms, books, classes & videos and the fact that big name clothing stores are even selling stability balls alongside underwear and belts! But in order to train something correctly we must understand exactly what it is we are training. Your core is a group of muscles that help with pretty much every movement your body makes. In physiological terms, the core includes the abdominal musculature (transversus abdominis; rectus abdominis; internal & external obliques), hip flexor & pelvic floor muscles and the spinal musculature - predominantly your lower back muscles (lumbar erectors). Your core is key because: 1) It is the link between your upper and lower body 2) It protects your spine 3) It stabilises your body in any movement 4) It has a major influence on your posture Because your core consists of several different muscle groups, there is no single exercise - like crunches on a stability ball - that can possibly train all the muscles in your core at once. In order to train your core muscles you need to follow a specific core training programme that strengthens and stretches the right muscles to provide optimum balance in YOUR body. Research has found that your TVA (Transversus Abdominis) activates fractionally before any other muscle to provide stabilisation when a movement of an extremity is made (e.g. you wave to your friend) - but if this doesn't happen, your spine is exposed and your risk of injury is greatly increased. A simple test to determine whether your TVA fires correctly or not is this? 1) Standing up straight, place your finger in your navel 2) Then bend over to pretend you are picking something up from the floor - or actually pick something up from the floor in front of you. What happens to your finger? Does it: a) Stay where it is? b) Move inwards closer to your spine? c) Move out away from your spine? Email me at info@activone.co.uk with your answer and I'll let you know what should happen and what to do if it doesn't! Lea Woodward is a fully qualified personal trainer and runs activOne in the UK to provide health & fitness services to clients. Check out the site http://www.activone.co.uk for all your health & fitness needs.
MORE RESOURCES:
Yoga for Parkinson’sPacket Online, NJ - 13 hours ago”It’s strengthening, energizing and calming,” instructor Carolyn Stephens says of yoga’s benefits. Ms. Stephens will lead the “Yoga for Parkinson’s” class ... |
The Gossip Girls |
Halle Berry: Yoga SexyThe Gossip Girls - 6 hours agoContinuing to work on her post-baby body, Halle Berry was spotted out for a trip to the yoga studio in Los Angeles on Friday (October 10). ... |
Kids yoga classesYourHub.com, CO - 11 hours agoEdgewater Parks & Recreation is now offering kids' yoga classes! Yoga for kids emphasizes movement and play. We keep it simple. More than learning the poses ... |
Wii Fit yoga mat spotted in Targetgamesdog.co.uk, UK - 15 hours agoIf you enjoy the yoga element of Wii Fit, this Wii Fit Yoga Mat has been spied out in the States. Target is selling the mat for $30 (£17), but from what we ... |
New class combines yoga and hip-hopCalgary Herald, Canada - Oct 9, 2008I am not a yoga guy, but it didn't matter. I was old enough to be the father of everyone in the room, but that didn't matter. And my faltering attempts at ... |
Yoga - Google News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Weight Loss and Fitness - Facts not Fiction
The world of weight loss and fitness is certainly vast, and the
American consumer can absolutely get lost in the thousands of
easy effortless and ostly useless ads if not careful. With my
books and research I want to clear the air about the various
myths and false statements regarding our health and fitness that
have clearly muddied the waters for many Americans.
Diet and Exercise - Without Going to the Gym
Exercising and dieting are tasks that are very difficult for many of us, but usually just the thought of it that makes us queasy. There are some simple ways to get out and get fit, and you just might enjoy yourself too.
Mixing Things Up
To say that the human body is an amazing machine is an understatement, especially when it comes to diet and exercise. Our bodies are constantly trying to achieve a state of homeostasis.
The New Lover Approach to Starting an Exercise Program
Approach a New Exercise Program Like a New LoverHow many times have you decided to get back to some type of exercise program? You've bought gear, new shoes, new clothes, whatever is needed. You've set aside some time, and off you go.
Stretching and the Warm up - Are You Confused?
Lately, I've been receiving a lot of questions referring to the latest studies and research findings, and one question that I receive most queries about concerns the role that stretching plays as part of the warm up.Currently, there seems to be a lot of confusion about how and when stretching should be used as part of the warm up, and some people are under the impression that stretching should be avoided altogether.
Thick Today Is Fat Tomorrow
As we twentysomethings get further along in our twenties, we may start to notice ourselves gaining weight. It sucks, because at one time you could eat whatever you wanted and now it's like someone shut off your metabolism.
15 Quick Tips for People Who Dont Like to Exercise
We've all had days when we don't have the energy to tie our athletic
shoes, let alone bounce around in them. But exercise can give a daily
blast to your mind, body, and soul.
Overcoming Resistance to Exercise
Are You Destined to Sit on the Couch?If someone mentions exercise do you think, "I hate to exercise. There's no way I'm doing that.
Tour of Diet - Cycling for Your Health
The last seven years, or so, at the Tour de France has shown a success story that is very uncommon. Winning seven Tour de France championships is a feat that will be extremely hard to duplicate.
The History of Pilates - It All Began With One Sickly Child
A look into the history of Pilates helps you understand the tremendous power that this form of exercise has to help strengthen and transform your body. Unlike yoga, which has a tradition that goes back thousands of years, one individual developed the Pilates Method at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Planning An Exercise Program
When designing an aerobic or strength training exercise program, fitness professionals, such as personal trainers and gym instructors, invariably use the F.I.
3 Exercises for Good Posture and a Six-Pack
These days many people spend a significant part of their day slaving away over a hot computer and as a result, their posture is not what it should be. Bad posture can result in short-term discomfort such as neck stiffness and headaches and also lead to more serious problems in later life.
The Science of Carbohydrate Loading
A valid connection between hypoglycemia, fatigue and premature termination of exercise been firmly established and therefore carbohydrate loading is a proven form of boosting running endurance in prolonged events lasting more than two hours in duration. While there are various methods of carbo-loading, the process basically involves consuming large quantities of carbohydrate-rich food in order to saturate the body's carbohydrate stores.
Exercise For Any Size
Do you feel that you can barely do any activity at all?That you cannot exercise, play sports, or become more fit?If you are a very large person, you can still be physically active.
Very large people face special challenges in trying to be active.
Bodybuilding Training Tips - To be a Champion!
Twenty two years ago I fell into the world of bodybuilding by accident. I had absolutely no discipline, determination or confidence in myself.
Why Do My Feet Hurt So Much When I Run?
If you are a seasoned runner you know the importance of a good running shoe. It can make the difference between a great running experience and potential injury.
Have a Detailed Exercise Plan Before Training
You would never build a house without a site plan, would you? You would never just pick up a hammer, some nails and start pounding away hoping your dream home will be built perfectly. Just like building a house, when you build your body up, you need a plan to adhere to and follow.
The Degradation of Fitness Science
The world and our selves evolve and exist in a cyclic
fashion; good times and bad? ups and downs? we
experience changes that seem to repeat, including everyday
cycles of sleep-wake and cell regeneration. History is a
broad example of cycles, whereby we enter the "dark ages"
followed by an "age of enlightenment.
Workouts That Travel
A vacation can do wonders for reducing stress levels, but it can derail a healthy fitness regimen. Even some of the most die-hard exercisers find it difficult to stick with a workout program when away from home.
Exercise Smarter Not Harder - 10 Ways to Make Consistent Progress in Your Exercise Plan!
My name is Greg Ryan. I am a fitness expert, professional bodybuilder personal trainer to movie stars, and former employee of Kathy Smith.
|
