Core Training

Having a strong core is more than a tight tummy. It’s things we take for granted like picking up our kids without throwing out our backs. It’s carrying the groceries to the house all in one trip. It’s not peeing your pants when you jump on a trampoline. And it’s avoiding adult diapers as long as possible.

The problem with core training is that most people are doing it in a way that may help the 6-pack, but won’t allow the 6-pack to ever show, and won’t stop you from having to use those diapers later.

Here’s a quick list of ab exercises that I avoid MOST of the time:

Crunches

Twists/Wood Chops

Weighted Side Bends

…Crunches

Here’s a list of ab exercises that I use most often:

Plank/Side Plank

Paloff Press/Hold

Dead Bug

Bird Dog

The difference is that the exercises that I use most are to allow clients to train their brain to keep a neutral spine under varying loads and directional forces. Once someone can maintain a neutral spine during all daily loaded tasks, I’ll add some non-neutral spine exercises into the program.

Listen, I’m not saying that you have to have a neutral spine every second of every day! I’m saying that when your child is running into your arms you should have a second when your brain automatically puts your body into the best position to pick them up. Until you get that knee jerk reaction…stick to neutral spine exercises.