If you’re walking around with your stomach clenched thinking that is the solution to “protecting the spine” I am so glad you found this article. This is a mistake I made a lot and I totally understand why you’re making it too. Some big name gurus across the internet will suggest that you keep your trunk”engaged” or “braced” throughout the day to ensure a safe and stable spine. This is not entirely true and can lead to over worked muscles and un needed compression on what could be a sensitive lower back. We are going to dive into this topic today!
So how hard should I brace my core when i’m moving, lifting or twisting?
If a stable and protected spine is what I need, the harder and more often I am braced the better right?
These are pretty common questions to applying the “core stiffness” strategies for a “safer” more “protected” spine.
Im getting carried away with the quotations here sorry.
With all the information on core training on the internet it’s hard to know what to do for your specific situation especially if you are dealing with any level of lower back pain. Well, 90% of the information about core training for lower back pain is crap. It’s just too general or just flat out wrong information if you have been dealing with low back pain yourself.
What I want to cover today is an important aspect of your core and low back pain. It’s not about core training but how to TUNE your core brace during movement and activities to fit the situation. There is a difference between picking up a book bag, bending to tie your shoes or bending to lift that bag of mulch. The key is to understand how to blend a tuned core brace with your strategy of desensitizing the lower back.
If you want to learn how to apply this to your specific situation this is where you do that.
I want you to really think about this idea of having to constantly brace your trunk…
As amazing as the human body is don’t you think it would have been created to be able to manage itself during movement?
Don’t get me wrong, if you have had a surgery, baby or have been told core training would benefit you or have a history of poor movement habits. I would highly suggest you focus on a developmental core coordination program where you learn to work the mind and body together to ensure you’re using the trunk the way you should and not just your lower back. This is covered heavily here.
Before watching the video, open a new tab for the articles below in your browser. Just right click and select “open in new tab”. You can come back to them after working through the video below. This will make todays article a more complete package for you.
The Best Core Exercises Could be the worst for you!
What is king Core Strength or Core Endurance?
Ab Exercises That are bad for Your Back
Check out todays video below as we dive into this exact topic!
As always guys thanks so much for tuning in and reading/watching.
Your support is huge and helps me bring awareness to people just like you. If you got anything out of this article please share it or send it to someone who loves to learn!
Your coach,
William
