Oregon Exercise Therapy
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE POSTURE EVALUATION!
  • Free Posture Evaluation
  • How It Works
    • Therapy Options >
      • Zoom/Skype/FaceTime Exercise Therapy
    • FAQ
    • OET News Archive
  • Advanced Training for Therapists
    • Education Workshops
  • Testimonials
  • About Matt
    • Contact Me
    • Recommended Products >
      • Therapy Equipment
      • Books and DVDs
      • Shoes
      • Apparel
      • Exercise Equipment
      • Cool Stuff
  • Blog

What is Core Strength?

2/18/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
Let’s start by knocking down some myths about core strength.
  1. Your core means your abdominal muscles. False. Your core includes more than 25 different muscles!
  2. Keeping your abs tight all the time (especially during exercise) develops a strong core. False. This can weaken your overall core stability by creating muscle imbalances.
  3. A strong core is only important if you are an athlete. False. You need a functionally strong core to sit at a desk for 8 hours, go for a hike, or work in your garden.
What is “core strength”? The ability to maintain structural integrity of the joints regardless of the position (i.e. standing, sitting, squatting, running, jumping, etc.). Isn’t that the same definition as “good posture”? Yes. They are the same thing. If your posture is compromised you do not have core strength (even if you have a six pack!).
Picture
How do we measure it? By looking at your standing posture and then by watching your body in movement. If you can maintain joint position during movement, you have a functionally strong core.
Picture
Football player showing poor core strength and faulty postural alignment during a sprint.
Picture
Runner showing excellent core strength in his ability to maintain good joint alignment.
What muscles are part of the core? Lots. Deep and more superficial muscles. Every muscle that attaches to the pelvis, spine, ribs or scapula. Some examples are:
Picture
Psoas major and iliacus
Picture
Transverse abdominis
Picture
Rhomboids and erector spinea
Picture
Multifitus spinea
Why do I need core strength? If you don’t have core strength and you try to pick up something heavy, you might injure your back and end up with chronic back pain. If you lack core strength and you go for a run, your knees might hurt later that day. If you are weak in the core you’ll get shoulder and neck tightness and pain from sitting at work.
Picture
What are the best exercises to develop core strength? Anything that realigns your posture and teaches your joints to stay lined up while moving (running, golfing, gardening, tennis, etc. ).
I would recommend getting a free postural analysis including functional testing and gait analysis to identify where your imbalances are and then getting a program of exercises to correct your unique muscular and postural imbalances. 
Related articles/videos:
Is training your "core" really helping you?
Why you should never pull your stomach in during exercise.
Ultimate core strength workout
Bad posture equals bad form
Power plyo workout
1 Comment
Huma Khurshid link
2/17/2023 03:50:56 pm

After reading the article on the Oregon Exercise Therapy blog, I found it to be a comprehensive and informative guide on the topic. The author does an excellent job of explaining the importance of developing core strength, and provides practical advice on how to achieve this through specific exercises and proper form.

The article defines the core and its various muscles, and highlights the role of the core in everyday movements and athletic performance. It also stresses the need for a balanced approach to core training, emphasizing the importance of not just focusing on the front abdominal muscles, but also the back and sides.

One of the things I appreciate about this article is that it provides clear demonstrations and instructions for exercises that can help build core strength. The author also includes helpful tips for avoiding common mistakes and ensuring proper form, which is essential for preventing injury and maximizing the benefits of the exercises.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    RSS Feed

    About Matt Whitehead

    I'm an Egoscue Institute certified Postural Alignment Specialist (PAS) and Advanced Exercise Therapist (AET), certified personal trainer, PatchFitness performer, FiveFingers wearer, trail runner, mountain biker, dad, music lover, environmentalist, and wanna-be slam dunk champion. I will be providing you with the latest posture exercises to help you live, play, and be pain free.

    Archives

    January 2023
    August 2022
    July 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    February 2021
    February 2019
    October 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013

    Categories

    All
    Beliefs
    Chronic Pain
    Emotions
    Exercise
    Health
    Play
    Posture
    Sports Injury

WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

I really just wanted to express my gratitude for what you do and your great help. And, great help it was!! When one is in constant great pain for as long as I was and so desperate for help...words cannot express what I want to say....how can I thank you enough? You helped change my life. 
– Carrie
I feel soooo limber and free in my hip movements and relaxed in my low back. Outstanding and I'm very impressed with the pdf's and the videos, great support to the client. Wonderful job, keep up the great job. – Mike
It is amazing! I've been in pain for 5 years and worked with other therapists and no one has been able to help me. Working with you I am 95% pain free! It feels so good to not have any pain and be able to walk and do things I haven't been able to do for years. Thank you so much! - Joni
Storybrand Website Design by Red Door Designs
Photos used under Creative Commons from mynameisharsha, Jon Grado