14/08/2022
Training the ‘core’ doesn’t mean you have to perform isolated ab exercises. While there’s nothing wrong or dangerous about traditional ab exercises, we MUST understand how the core functions if we want to truly enhance it in order to MOVE better.
Our body functions as a linked system. And distal movement requires proximal stiffness. Consider trying to move a finger back and forth very quickly – the wrist needed to be stiffened otherwise the entire hand would move. Now using the same principle consider the action of walking. The pelvis must be stiffened to the spine otherwise the left hip would fall as the left leg swings forward to take a step. This core stiffness is non-negotiable to enable walking. Thus all body movement needs appropriate coordination of muscles. To move, run, or squat requires spine stiffness and core stability.
So when you work on creating sufficient core stiffness with proper breathing & bracing pre lift AND work to control spinal positioning as you lift - you’re doing “core work” even though you’re not isolating your abs like you would with a sit up.
Want to learn more about how to train the core? Start by reading my blog “The McGill Big 3 For Core Stability” on squatuniversity.com📲
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