by Stephen Patti, DC
Hey Guys, this is Dr. Steve. I wanted to talk a little about the core (not an apple), what it is comprised of, and offer a few simple exercises you can do to take care of yours.
As a former athlete, I remember coaches and trainers always talking about how important it is to have a strong core. I thought I knew exactly what that meant, but after taking several anatomy classes and extensive seminars, I realized that there is a lot more to the core than you may think. Here are some of the things that I have learned about the core…
The core takes on the shape of a cylinder and has a top, a bottom and a surrounding outer face. It can be divided into 4 groups of muscles and soft tissue structures that all work together in order to provide stability and mobility throughout the center of the body. A strong core improves posture and spinal stability, promotes a healthy pelvic floor and allows for efficient breathing.
At the top of the core is a dome shaped muscle called the diaphragm, which acts as a primary muscle of respiration (breathing). At the bottom of the core sits a group of muscles known as the pelvic floor. A strong pelvic floor is crucial because it allows for proper function of our pelvic, urinary and reproductive organs. For more information on the pelvic floor click here.
It is also important to recognize the relationship between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor. During normal breathing, the two simultaneously lower and raise together while maintaining intra-abdominal pressures.
Lastly, the transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles make up the surrounding face of the cylinder that is the core. If these muscles are weakened, it leads to poor posture and decreased stability within your spine that can cause pain, discomfort or increase susceptibility to injury.
Check this out for more reasons about why it is important to keep a strong core!
Listed below are a few simple exercises that you can perform at the gym or at home to make sure your core is in great shape. Click the links to see them performed so you can begin incorporating them in to your routine.
These exercises alone are not going to give you a well-defined midsection, if that’s what you’re after, but these exercises are a great starting place to strengthen your core. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at our office. See you guys later.