The Importance of Strengthening Your Core

Core strength exercises can be added to your regular routine without the need for additional equipment, and there are many benefits to doing so. Improving your core strength will not only help you work towards your overall fitness goals, but it may help with daily tasks and pain reduction in certain areas. If you have questions, a physical therapist can teach you ways to exercise that are safe, effective, and help you meet your goals. 

Core Strength for Exercise

If you have a regular exercise routine, working on your core strength can be a simple addition that makes your entire plan more well-rounded. Core strength will help with your overall balance and stability, and it can help improve your form for other exercises. Additionally, there are studies that suggest improving core strength can have benefits for runners too: running engages more muscles than are in just your legs, so working on your core may also yield results for your speed and form on the track.

There are plenty of ways to exercise and strengthen your core, and the right approach for you will depend on your current level of fitness and the equipment that you have available to you. Some common core exercises include planks, situps, and a bridge. A bridge exercise is where you lay flat on your back with your knees bent, and slowly raise your hips off of the ground until your body is in a straight line. 

Pain Relief Benefits of Core Exercises

Improving your core strength has obvious benefits for your physical condition, but it isn’t just for athletes. Building your core can also have implications for preventing and reducing pain and the likelihood of injury. In particular, it can help reduce and prevent pain in your back. Not only is back pain associated with factors such as a weak core or lack of mobility, but keeping your body strong may also help with your day-to-day posture. 

While keeping strong is a great way to help reduce your likelihood of developing pain, it is important to note that chronic back pain is an extremely common ailment and can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. In fact, 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 39% of U.S. adults reported experiencing some form of recent back pain. Some types of back pain will go away on their own. However, if your pain is persistent or otherwise affecting your daily life, you may wish to see a professional such as a chiropractor for pain relief. 

Expert Physical Therapy With Motus Integrative Health

Building your core strength is a great way to improve your exercise plan and reduce your likelihood of developing certain types of pain. While many core exercises can be done at home without any special equipment, it’s important to remember that chronic pain and injury recovery are both issues that benefit from the guidance of a professional. At Motus Integrative Health, we will work with you to understand the cause of your pain and work to correct the problem. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a free consultation with our doctor.