Let's all stop sucking in those stomachs.
These days it is quite common for everyone to know that the core is important and we should be strengthening it to help with back pain, hip pain and to keep fit as we get older. However, what many people do not know is what the core actually consists of!
Did you know that your core muscles are your diaphragm, pelvic floor muscles, back AND abdominal muscles?! This usually shocks people…to the core (pun intended). Having strength, mobility and flexibility in these muscles is important depending on the task you are doing. It should work more if you are lifting something heavy versus if you are sitting and hanging out. Simply bracing, clenching and sucking in the abdominal muscles is not the answer, despite what a lot of fitness classes are telling the general public to do out there. A healthy functioning core can help you walk, lift, sit, and run without pain. If you are experiencing low back, hip pain, bladder leakage, prolapse, or any other issues in the trunk area (or knees) that is not improving and you have done abdominal exercises, it might be essential to take a look at the rest of the core system.
A pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess each part of the system, determine which ones needs strengthening or relaxing and give you appropriate exercises to help you return to your activities without pain.
Questions? Comment below, e-mail us at hello@kaaiaa.co, or book a free phone consult.
