|
|
 |
| Stability Training For Your Core |
 |
| Balance, or core training, is not new, physical therapists, athletic
trainers and personal trainers have used these techniques for years.
People everywhere are bouncing and wobbling their way to a stronger
"core" -- as the muscles that surround your trunk are called.
Without strong trunk muscles, you're more likely to suffer from chronic
back pain, lose your balance and fall, or be more prone to injury when
doing other workout routines. "Your core is the essence of everything you do, from your day-to-day activities, to your athletic pursuits," says Steven Ehasz, MES, CSCS, exercise physiologist and wellness coordinator for the University of Maryland Medical System. "It doesn't matter how strong your arms and legs are if the muscles they're attached to aren't equally as strong." A strong core is also responsible for your sense of balance. "Balance not only requires equilibrium, but also good stability of the core muscles and the joints, particularly the hip, knee, and ankle," says Leigh Crews, spokesperson for the American Council on Exercise. There are several ways to address balance and stability training, says Crews, including balance boards, stability balls, the Reebok Core Board, Bosu (which stands for "both sides up") balls, as well as yoga, and other forms of mind-body training and martial arts, such as Pilates and tai chi. Maintaining one's balance (or equilibrium, physical stability, or steadiness), is primarily coordinated by three systems, explains Gerry Green, director of the Fitness Center at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J. The first is the vestibular or auditory system, located in the inner ear, which acts like a "carpenter's balance" to keep you level. The second balance coordinator is the proprioceptive system, which uses sensory nerves called proprioceptors that are located in the muscles, tendons, and joints. They give signals to the central nervous system, which gives you a kinesthetic sense, or an awareness of your body posture and spatial awareness. And finally, there is the visual system, which sends visual signals from the eyes to the brain about your body's position in relation to its surroundings. Your balance may be "off," says Green, for a number of reasons, including illness, injury, poor posture, muscle imbalances, or a weak core. If you have more questions regarding this topic please feel free to talk with Fitness Director , Jeff Biehl or schedule a fitness evaluation with one of our Personal Trainers. Jeff Biehl 1. Sorgen, C: Balance Your Way to a Stronger Body. www.webmd.com. April 12, 2006 |