What does it look like when our 'core' is working well?

Is 'activating our core' helpful?

Last week a client said, "I was taught to activate my core to help my back pain."

I asked, "How's that been going for you?"

He said, "I have been diligent with turning my core on for many years.

and my back problem continues to flare up every 6 months, for a few weeks each time."

My reply, "That's a common story I hear."

"What if I can help you more than that?"

For this client, turning on their core did not solve their back pain and help them get moving more freely.

Why did core activation not help this client? 

If you'd like to learn more and what has helped him and other clients get a strong and healthy back then read on.

Firstly, some technical information.

When I examined this client he was good at activating his core muscles.

He had done what he was taught very well.

However, he also had overactive back muscles.

We know his muscles were overactive because while this client was standing his back muscles felt taught, like rope, or metal rods either side of the spine [see images at this post: Core Activation]

The overactive back muscles were blocking him moving well.

And this was more of a problem for him than lack of core activation.

This is one example of where 'activating our core' doesn't help.

How else can we look at our core - which might be more helpful?

When we soften our overactive back muscles

this keeps our back healthy

because it prevents the accumulation of strain on our spine.

When we keep our back muscles softer

while standing, bending, sitting, lifting etc.

is when our back is at its strongest,

and prevents suffering from painful episodes.

So how does this relate to his core muscles?

While standing up straight these superficial low back muscles ideally have a consistency of raw meat [as in the image attached].

When our muscles are not over activating,

this is a sign the core muscles are doing their job well.

Because they are what's left to support our trunk.

When we are bending or lifting our back muscles should have the consistency of well-cooked meat.

You can try testing this for yourself.

Are your muscles like raw meat, cooked meat, or metal rod bars?

If you've got muscles like a metal rod bar, or you have tried lots of core exercises

and you still have pain,

I am offering free feedback on softening your overactive muscles - simply contact me via this page and I’ll reply as soon as practical: https://www.youngify.com.au/contact-1