30 Days To The Best Me Ever - Day 19 - Do More For Your Core!!!
Submitted by Fit and Female Blog
Joseph Pilates (founder of the fitness technique which bares his name) was credited with saying, “a man is as old as his spine”. Nothing could be more true.
More than 100 million Americans say they have lower back pain. 50 million say that the pain they have is significant enough to interfere with their every day activities. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason that Americans go to the doctor (the common cold is number one). Back injuries are the number one work-related injury, according to The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
While there are many potential causes for back pain (accidents, tumors, birth defects, infections) the fact is MOST back pain is related to poor body mechanics (both at rest and in movement) and is therefore preventable. Proper lifting techniques, maintaining a healthy body weight, good posture and regular exercise to strengthen the core musculature top the list of the best ways to prevent lower back pain.
Experts now believe that the best core (often defined as the abdominals, back extensors and hips) exercises should:
work all the muscle core groups simultaneously
in a way that simulates what the muscles should do to stabilize the spine rather than move it
Improve the flexibility of the hip musculature
challenge whole body balance and stability
In other words, core training today is not just about crunches and back extension, but planks, bridges, balance apparatus (including physioballs) and more.
The best news is that when it comes to back pain an once of prevention is truly worth more than a pound of cure. Even 5-minutes a day of just a few basic core exercises can keep back pain at bay and help make you part of the lucky 20% of Americans who do not have to deal with this nagging malady. Are you doing something everyday to keep your back healthy?
For specific recommendations check out my youtube video on a quick and easy back maintenance routine you can do in about 5 minutes.
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