3 Benefits of Core Strenghening:
1. PROTECT: Did you know the abdominal muscles are designed to protect your back? The stronger your abs are, the less strain your spine will experience. Activating these deep abs takes pressure off the low back, improves your posture, and prevents spinal arching. If you experience back pain, speak with your BIM coach about what abdominal exercises might be right for you.
2. BALANCE: Have you noticed engaging your stomach muscles improves your standing balance? Try it! Next time you stand on one leg, (for example, while donning your pants or going up a step), engage your stomach muscles first and notice how much easier it feels! Our bodies naturally look for the easiest way to perform a task, so when we reach to the ground or perform dynamic balance tasks, we often let the legs and back do all the work. However, engaging those abs will support your trunk and stabilize your balance when activated.
3. PERFORMANCE: The abdominal wall is necessary for nearly all functional movements. From rolling side to side in bed, to getting in and out of the car, we depend on these muscles to keep us independent and functional. Strengthening your abs can be accomplished through isometric and isotonic exercises. Thinking about your daily routine, are there movements that are particularly more difficult than they used to be? Could addressing poor core strength make this task easier? Ask your BIM coach which exercises you can add to your routine to improve your overall performance during activities of daily living.
