The term “core strength” is used frequently, but what is core strength? Well, our ‘core’ is our trunk and strength refers not just to being strong but to being active & ‘tuned in to what the body is doing. So what we are after is trunk muscles that are continually working for us & that can adapt very quickly to the demands that are put on our body
This is important because it means the body won’t allow itself to passively get into a position where you can injure yourself – the classic “I just bent over to pick something up & my back went – instead the core will automatically protect you & very cleverly also signal to all other muscles around the spine & hence they will also protect you.
As a result core strength is one of the most important factors in injury prevention. Both in normal daily living (lifting, driving, working at the computer) and in sport & fitness activities. It is also vital for good performance in every single sport (well maybe not darts or snooker).
So how do you get a strong core?
Forget the 100 situps for breakfast idea – that’s just a good way to injure your neck. The key is knowing 2 or 3 excellent exercises & then doing them with ‘good form’. If you know what you are doing then you will do it more effectively & will do it without injuring yourself and then you can improve core strength with as little as 1 hour a week practice.
So where does Pilates fit in this?
Pilates is a method of exercises designed specifically to target core strength and also for injury rehabilitation. It is the fastest and easiest way to obtain core strength.
Is it too late if I am already injured?
No, in fact several important studies have shown that core strength is nearly always poor if we have had a back injury, and poor core strength is one of the most important factors that slows down & prevents recovery
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