How is your Core Strength?

Your Core muscles are VERY important. Wither you are an athlete running, catching or throwing or a parent, aunt, uncle, brother and do most of your running chasing kids, friends or your busy schedule. These muscles keep you moving.

Anyone that has ever had an episode of bad back pain will tell you that it can keep you from doing the things you want to do the most. One of the top ways to help prevent back pain and keep it from coming back

if you have suffered with it in the past is to have a strong core.

Blondina Polazzo is a certified personal trainer and a while ago I asked her to write an article for my patient news letter and I wanted to share it on here also!

Blondina writes,

"What is a helpful way to explain the core to clients and why is it so important?

Blondina Polazzo, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

President, Fitness Empowerment, LLC

The core is best described as the anatomical "box" in the mid-section of the body, with the abdominals in the front, the paraspinals next to the spine and the gluteals in the back. The diaphragm is the roof, while the pelvic floor and hip girdle musculature are at the bottom. The core fuctions as a muscular "corset," working as a unit to stablize the spine. It is the 'foundation" of all limb movements.

As an Exercise Professional I am committed to maintaining and improving the fuctional independence and physical performance of my clients. Core stability is defined as the ability to have functional strength and endurance through all planes of motion and actions. Therefore, core stability is crucial in being fully functional in daily activities without pain through a normal range of motion.

Research has demonstrated that two of the deep spinal stabilizing muscles, the multifidus and transverse abdominis, start to rapidly atrophy following an episode of low-back pain. This is like a vicious cycle where a weak core leads to low-back pain which further weakens the core. If these muscles are not retrained, back pain will most likely reoccur in the future.

Core stability can be assessed by yourself, or more accurately by chiropractor. The very basic do-it-yourself method involves holding the ‘plank’ position for at least 30 seconds, as a time below that would indicate a weak core. The ability to go over 60 seconds is indicative of having a strong core. In our Boot Camps "core" work is a part of each workout performed.

For more information about Boot Camp Challenge or Personal Training by Blondina please visit: www.my-fitness-studio.com"

Chiropractic is important to helping overcome and prevent back pain because along with strengthening the core muscles adjusting the low back, pelvis and sacral areas are important in making sure you have a strong foundation and proper joint function in order to build and maintain proper core strength

If you have more questions about low back pain or core stability feel free to email me or stop by my office.