Core Stability has become a recently fashionable term however, it is evident that many people do not have a true understanding of what core stability actually involves. Contrary to what you may think, having ‘6-pack’ abs does not necessarily guarantee that you have a strong and functional core!
The core musculature is comprised of all the muscles in the lumbopelvic and thoracic regions that work to initiate and control movements of your spine. These muscles are not only those ‘outer core muscles’ visible on the abdominal wall, such as your external obliques and rectus abdominus – which work to generate movement and provide gross spinal stability – but also include the ‘inner core muscles,’ such as your transverse abdominus, diaphragm, multifidus and pelvic floor – which provide segmental spinal stability. These are the muscles that activate to truly support your spine and pelvis, in order to prevent back pain or other injuries when making potentially uncontrolled movements.
Then how should you really be training your core?
While weighted sit ups and straight-leg raises will help you achieve the ‘rock hard abs’ envious in all the models on the front page of our magazines, it is evident that these types of exercises won’t necessarily train your ‘inner core muscles’ in a way to functionally support your spine and prevent injury.
Our highly trained Physiotherapists at Health Space focus on individually assessing each of their clients in order to provide specific education and training to ensure each individual receives the personalised attention needed to assist them in activating and training their ‘inner core muscles’ correctly.
To find out more information, call up or stop by one of our clinics in Mona Vale, Potts Point, Bondi, Brookvale and Kingsford to see how our Physiotherapists can benefit you!
Written by Eleni Tsagaris
Physiotherapist – Kings Cross, Mona Vale and Brookvale
