What Is Core Stabilization?

When health professionals discuss the “core,” they mean more than just our abdominal muscles. The core is the center of our body and functions by stabilizing our trunk while our arms and legs move. So, in addition to our abs, our core includes the muscles that stabilize our hips and shoulders and the muscles that make up our torso.

Because our core is such an important and yet often-misunderstood part of our body, this post will cover everything there is to know about what core stabilization is in Napa County, CA. Continue reading to learn everything there is to know about our core and how to ensure your core is as strong as possible.

Why is the core so important?

Our core muscles have two main functions: they’re designed to spare our spines from excessive loads and to transfer force from our lower body to our upper body and vice versa. When you have a strong core, you’re less likely to suffer injuries, and you’re able to perform your best in physical activities.

Proper core stabilization in Napa County, CA is vital throughout your entire life. You need a strong core just as much when you’re playing pickup basketball games in high school as you do when you’re playing a round of golf in retirement. Neglecting your core at any stage of your life could lead to an accidental back injury that could severely limit your mobility and make routine activities painful.

How to build core strength

The good news is that building up your core strength doesn’t require tons of workout equipment, and you don’t have to do hours of frustrating crunches. Professionals recommend performing these exercises to ensure you have the strongest possible core:

• Forward planks: When holding your forward plank, focus on keeping a straight line through your body to prevent your hips from sagging towards the floor. Letting your hips drop won’t improve your core strength, and it may do long-term damage to your back.
• Side planks: After your forward planks, try to hold a side plank for a few minutes. Maintain a straight line from your head to your heels to prevent bending and hurting your back.
• Hip thrusts: While lying on your back, bend your knees 90 degrees and press your feet into the floor. Then, squeeze your glute muscles to lift your hips off the floor, aligning them with your shoulders and knees. Slowly repeat these reps to enhance your core stabilization in Napa County, CA.
• Weighted carries: To practice transferring force through your body, carry a weight in one or both hands and walk around for a certain period of time. While walking, focus on not bending or twisting your body in a particular direction to enhance your core strength.

Come in to get your health consult today!

If you’re concerned that your core isn’t as strong as it should be, or if you have any other health concerns, come in and see our team at Focus Forward Wellness & Physical Therapy. During your one-hour health consult, our professionals can cover everything there is to know about what core stabilization is in Napa County, CA and teach you how to live a happy and healthy life.

Categorised in: Exercise

This post was written by Writer