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Say Hello to Your Core

pilates, core, muscles

If you were asked to explain what your core is, what would you say? Could you confidently tell someone why the core is important when you exercise? Most people would simply reference their midsection and leave it at that, but this doesn’t really do the topic justice. This means there are many people out there who can’t really work their core because they don’t have the full picture.

 

For those who practice Pilates, the idea of the core is even more essential, so today we want to explore this important topic.

 

Core 101

Your core isn’t a single muscle, but rather a complex set of muscles which include your transverse abdominal, multifidus, diaphragm, pelvic floor, and other deeper muscles. You don’t need to memorize the names; you just need to know that there is more than one muscle involved. These muscles aren’t confined to your abdominal area either. They wrap around to the back and extend down toward your legs.

 

While all of the muscles of your core are important, the transverse and rectus abdominus are the stars of the show because they stabilize your back, allowing you to stand upright and bend. In reality, however, most of your daily movements are made possible by these muscles. For instance, they work together to help you stand, bend, lift, sit up, and rotate.

 

Core matters

Not much happens without engaging the core, from getting out of bed in the morning to leaning over to tie your shoes. These muscles do more than make movement possible, however. Your core acts to stabilize your body and transfer force, making it possible for you to move without injury. These muscles must be strong and work in unison to work properly. This can be particularly important for those who engage in sports, but it is necessary for everyday life as well. Lifting your groceries or picking up your kids all require you to engage your core.

 

Pilates and your core

Pilates has always recognized the importance of the core, calling it the “girdle of strength.” As a result, Pilates movements were created both to engage and strengthen these vital muscles. As you practice Pilates, you’re supposed to be aware of your core and focus as you move in order to create a connection between the muscle and the movement. For many people, this is the first time they are really aware of their core muscles.

 

Because the core is so important to your body’s stability, Pilates can have a profound impact on your quality of life. Many people have greatly improved back and neck pain through regular practice. It can also help improve mobility and reduce pain related to sciatica and other problems. And while frequent practice is best, many see improvements after only a few sessions.

 

There you have it! You now know that your core is more than just your abs. You also know that Pilates focuses on the core and understand how it can be so helpful for back and neck issues. The next time you’re practicing, take a little extra time to focus and feel your core at work. With a little practice, this will become second nature!

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Author: erik

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  • Say Hello to Your Core
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  • Feeling Stressed? Give Pilates a Try!
  • Why MELT?
  • Five years ago I was driving home from Branson and saw the advertisement for Everybody Pilates on a billboard. I was 79 years old, diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and had tried several different exercise programs only to find myself injured and unable to continue.. I supposed I wasn’t suited for Pilates but I called anyway. I was surprised to find that Heather suggested an evaluative visit.

    I came to the studio, bringing my aging and aching body. Heather determined she could work with me, and I’ve been going there ever since.

    When people ask me why I go to Pilates, I usually answer that I like being stronger and pain-free. On my list of budget priorities the first two are food and shelter. The third is Pilates. As far as I’m concerned Pilates is a necessity.

    Besides being a delightful person Heather is knowledgeable and carefully attentive to my individual needs.

    Patricia A. Sundstrom, Ph. D.
  • I have been attending classes twice a week at Everybody Pilates for over two years. What started as something that my wife and I could do together has turned into a necessity for me. I have noticed a dramatic improvement in my core strength, balance, and flexibility. Denise is a great motivator, and does an outstanding job of mixing things up. So, we’re always learning something new. I am a firm believer in the benefits of Pilates, and highly recommend Everybody Pilates.

    Craig Trem
  • I was introduced to Everybody Pilates by my daughter 10 years ago when I moved to the Springfield area. I have been in classes there once or twice a week ever since. – Pilates is wonderful exercise that leaves you feeling strong and flexible. I feel much stronger, with better balance and greater flexibility, than I did 10 years ago. That’s saying a lot. I love the group classes but, when I had to have surgery a few years ago, Heather and Denise were able to provide private classes geared to my capabilities until I could work my way back. I love having those options available to me. I’m not an avid exerciser. Left to my own devices, I can find many reasons not to exercise. Knowing that Heather or Denise were expecting me to be at class at a certain time was great incentive to me to actually go to class. I need that little push to make sure I get the exercise I know I need.

    Karen Tracy
  • Within 10 days of using the MELT Method, I was able to stop taking Tramadol, a pain medicine that I’ve been taking since 2008! My next goal is to get off of the anti-inflammatory drug that is eating away at the lining of my stomach. I’ve been dealing with foot pain since 2004. I had surgery in 2008 to fuse two joints in my left foot, 2015, doctors recommend 3 joint fusion on right foot – not going to do it! The majority of my joints in both feet are bone-on-bone. Started using the MELT Method on 3/19. I have less pain, less tightness, I can feel more of my foot on the floor. I can work all day, and come home and do yard work, which I could have never done before using the MELT Method!

    Brenda Settles
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