Benjamin Franklin famously stated “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” in Philadelphia in 1736 in reference to preventing fires. The same advice can also apply to sports injuries where painful inflammation can burn your exercise routine to the ground. Preventing injuries is the first step to a healthy lifestyle, and building core strength can help you prevent serious injuries.
What is a Strong Core?
Many people mistakenly think the core is simply six-pack abs. But that’s not all. According to Harvard University the core is a group of muscles that stabilizes and controls the pelvis and spine (and therefore influences the legs and upper body).¹ Having a strong core can help prevent sports injuries and help athletes complete more efficient movements. For those retired from athletics a stable core can help them play with their grandchildren, get out of a deep chair, or perform household tasks (such as vacuuming) with less pain.
Athletes and Core Strength
Anyone participating in sports or exercise can benefit from core strength exercises. But sit-ups and push-ups are only the beginning. Our professional trainers can help you learn a core strength exercise program to keep you toned and help you perform efficiently in your sport. Disastrous injuries to athletes can happen from poor movement habits that develop because of a weak core. How many times have you heard of someone hurting themselves by trying to lift too much weight? Most of the time it isn’t the weight that was the problem, but the way it was lifted. Strong cores help keep our form in check.
What if I am injured?
If you already have an injury don’t hesitate to call us and book an appointment. We can help you maintain your healing and show you ways to build your strength safely and consistently. Even if you think your injury is not serious you should still see a physical therapist or chiropractor. He or she can help you identify how and why your injury happened so it is less likely to occur again. Many people injure themselves in the same area over and over again until they are unable to enjoy the sports and activities that they love. Natural Health Sports Therapy can help you avoid the injury-cycle and continue with the healthy lifestyle that you love.
The Good News
The good news is that core exercises don’t require special machines or even a gym membership. Any exercise that involves the use of your abdominal and back muscles in coordinated fashion counts as a core exercise.² Planks, situps, and fitness ball exercises all help strengthen the core and will help you develop more toned abs. Contact us today for strength training and learn how to exercise more effectively.
Founded on facts: for peer-reviewed articles, scholarly journals, and articles cited above please see the below sources.
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/understanding-and-improving-core-strength-2018090414662
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/core-exercises/art-20044751