Don’t Ignore Your Core!

A vital muscle group that is often examined during physical rehabilitation is the core muscles. These muscles are important to support your lower back and spine. The core is literally in the center of our bodies and provide attachment sites for many major muscles that power our arms and legs. Understanding their role and function can provide additional insight into how to keep these muscles strong and working properly. Pictured left, you will find a picture of the core muscles.

As a base of support for our extremities, the core is vital to our ability to squat, walk, run, carry groceries, pick up a child, and perform plethora of daily activities. The good thing is that you can train your core in the absence of a clinic or fitness center. You don’t even need fancy equipment! Some of the best equipment for core workouts is as far as your eyes can see. Whether you like the comfort of your carpet, garage, front yard, neighborhood, or green scenery, you can create a workout right where you are. There are a myriad of exercises that you can do to keep your core tight, healthy and strong. Keep it fun, change it up and keep it interesting! These exercise should also be pain free, so use caution if you are recovering from an injury.

One exercises I like to do is the band resisted leg raise (see video above). You may find this challenging, yet beneficial as you work to shape and strengthen your core. You can begin with just 5 repetitions, focus on proper form, and then build from there.

So, if you’ve found yourself sitting on the couch and watching television, try getting up and moving around a little more to avoid ignoring your core. You can do things like stand instead of sitting while reading a book. You can even do a single leg hip hinge exercise during a commercial break (see picture below)!

The possibilities are endless. You just have to be willing to try. While we face the unique challenges of working from home, staying at home, closed gyms, and ever changing climates, we can rest assure that there’s always something we can do to remain physically fit and healthy.

The SoledOut Performance & Physical Therapy Team is here to help you with core training, injury prevention and injury management. We’re just one visit away. But first- don’t ignore your core!