The importance of your Core

Whenever you walk, run or work, your core muscles are active, keeping you upright, balancing your body as your weight shifts, and absorbing the impact as your feet hit the ground. Your body’s core forms the foundation of all your movement. If your core is weak, you are susceptible to poor posture and injury. Lower back pain is also more likely to occur. Your core muscles lie deep within your torso and pelvis. They are layered, overlapping and connected to each other. Unlike weight lifting, a core-strengthening program exercises your whole system at once. You also don’t need any equipment. The strength you use in holding a position, as well as the gravitational pull of your own weight, work out the core muscles. You’ll be surprised at how great an effect a simple routine can have on your daily living activities. The Core Benefits The major core muscle is called the transversus abdominis. It is deep in your abdomen and circles your torso. To feel it contract, pull your belly button toward your spine. Hold the contraction for 10 seconds, then release. Repeat several times. You can do this exercise anytime, anywhere. Breathing is important while you do core exercises. Practice breathing deeply from your diaphragm before starting core exercises. Sit or stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Exhale through your mouth for 6 seconds, expelling as much air from your lungs as you can. Then inhale for 6 counts, feeling your belly and chest expand as your lungs fill with air. Repeat 3 times, then breathe at a more normal pace throughout your exercises. "Adapted from the American Institute of Cancer Research". It is also very important to activate the four core muscles (inner unit) prior to performing any movement. See my next blog for safe, easy to perform core exercises. Come join me in my new "Foam Rolling workshop", approved in BC, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and soon to be in Alberta and Manitoba: Saskatoon May 28, Whistler July 15, Halifax Sept 17, Winnipeg Nov 5 and St John, NB Nov 16 (at the AGM). Let me know how you use the roller in your practice. Let's connect at info@gaiaadventures.com. Catherine D'Aoust at GAIA Adventures, Kinesiologist, Workshops www.gaiaadventures.com Stability Ball Workshop (basic 2 day) May 26, 27 in Saskatoon, June 15, 16 in Vancouver, July 13, 14 in Whistler Advanced Ball Training June 17, Vancouver Foam Rolling Workshop (1 day) Whistler, July 15, Saskatoon, May 28, CECs,