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Understanding Core Strength

Body movement starts in the core of the torso. Like the center of a wheel, the core is the center of movement and life. This is where our vital organs are located and their health is also related to the condition of our core.

At the center of our bodies are our core, hips, spine and shoulders which give us the axis from which to move. Alignment of these parts is essential for health, energy and balance. Proper alignment of our torso provides the solid foundation from which the limbs can draw energy and power more efficiently. When you can easily draw energy and power from your torso, your movements will be more balanced, efficient and prevent abnormal wear and tear throughout the body.

If you consider that your torso is like the frame of a car, we know that if the frame is bent, this will cause abnormal wear and tear of the rest of the car. The more mileage we put on the car, the more obvious and pronounced the abnormal wear and tear will become. Problems will arise like uneven braking, uneven wear of the tires, different noises may be heard from the abnormal stress on the wheel bearings and the engine may have to labor more to keep the car going.

Similar to a car with a bent frame, when our torso is weak and misaligned from weak abdominal muscles (which can cause weakness in the lower spine), we will see uneven movement in our body resulting in abnormal wear and tear. Early degenerative changes and poor posture will result which then lead further undesirable changes taking place throughout the body. I continue in detail about what happens but I dont want to belabor the subject. I think you get the idea.

We constantly see and hear ads telling us to exercise and tone our abs. Yet, this cannot be emphasized enough. Not only do we look better with tighter abs, but they protect our lower back from injury and degeneration. When our abs are toned, they produce intra-abdominal pressure that also gives support to the lower spine and pelvis. The transverse abdominis is the first muscle muscle that goes into play when you move. Since it originates at the lower spine and wraps around and connects to the ribs, abdominals and pelvis, it is important to maintain strength in this muscle for support and stability.

Loss of core strength can result from injury and/or a sedentary lifestyle. Become conscious of your abs by practicing pulling your belly button to your spine without holding your breath. You can do this while sitting, standing or lying supine. Also practice tightening your abs while sitting or standing with good posture (shoulder blades pulled back and down and lower front ribcage pulled down).

There are many good Abs workout DVDs that can help strengthen and tone the abdominal area at http://www.myfitness24-7.com/category/155436

Cecelia Tiemann, D.C. has been a Chiropractor since 1981. You can visit her website and see the different Abs workouts on DVD at http://www.myfitness24-7.com/category/155436 There you will also be able to read the detailed reviews on each DVD, giving you a good idea on what is offered with each exercise program. Dr. Tiemann has had 25 years of experience in clinical practice where she used exercise extensively to rehabilitate patients suffering from various conditions. Her primary emphasis has been on musculoskeletal conditions. She is especially interested in Pilates http://www.myfitness24-7.com/category/155411 and yoga http://www.myfitness24-7.com/category/155417 as these are the forms of exercise she has practiced the most. She is in the process of bringing in other forms of exercise that hopefully will be of interest to the visitors at her website.

posted by rtszdeiurg @ 5:36 PM