Last week’s blog mentioned three misunderstandings about our bodies’ midsections:

1) Isolated core exercises lead to a strong core.
2) Our core is supposed to look flat/ripped when it is healthy. 
3) The core is the foundation of exercise.

We hit the first one pretty hard, talking about why focusing on functional movements for our core is preferable to isolation exercises.  Now up at the plate, Core Misunderstandings #2 and #3. 

2) “Our core is supposed to look flat/ripped when it is healthy.” 

Not really.

That’s the message that infomercials and magazines send us, but it’s far from the truth. Flat abs and six packs are 20th century aesthetics, and they are very dependent upon body-fat levels.  Health professionals versed in kinesiology (the study of the mechanics of body movements) know that most of the time, body-fat levels have little to do with core functionality. 

I personally know plenty of people whose cores are strong and functional but who have anything but flat stomachs.  I also know plenty of people who have flat stomachs but have back issues and can’t perform basic movement patterns that trainers use to assess functionality.  If I was to bet who would make it to the age of sixty-five without relying on a specialist or gadget to stay upright and pain free, I’d put my money on the functional core group any day.  That same group would also be able to perform better during basic movement assessments, which means that they live their day to day with less discomfort.

3) “The core is the foundation of exercise.”

As I discussed last week, a functional core is essential to minimizing back problems and performing daily tasks with ease.  In order to achieve that functional core, corrective or rehabilitative isolation exercises and stretches are necessary.  However, having a sound core isn’t the end-all-be-all of fitness.

Functionality in all parts of our bodies is necessary.  If one joint doesn’t function properly, it affects at least one more joint, often on the other side of the body.  For example, an injured left shoulder can cause poor hip alignment and a left knee problem.  An ankle issue can cause back problems.  Thus, I would rewrite Core Misunderstanding #3 as “Functional movement is the foundation of healthy exercise, and every joint and muscle group - including the core - plays an important role.”

That closes our first chapter on misunderstandings about the core. You can bet your sweet bippy that there will be more to come in future articles in the More of Me to Love fitness blog.  For now, enjoy this week’s other great tips. Over and out.

Andrew is a Certified Personal Trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He teaches people to listen to their bodies and helps them thrive as they find the connection between health and happiness.

If you are interested in a free fitness consultation, please .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), and he will be delighted to teach you how to start enjoying fitness and making it a part of your life.