Want a Stronger Core? Skip Sit-Ups, Try Chiropractic
By Sandy Schroeder
Ready to power ahead through winter sports? Or are you simply interested in bending, turning and reaching more easily as you move through your day?
Chiropractic support and core exercises can make it all happen. The Joint Chiropractic helps countless individuals protect their bodies and strengthen their cores.
When you come in, your chiropractor will explain how your spinal health facilitates everything you do. The spine houses the central nervous system that coordinates the brain-to-body communication network we all depend on. When the spine is healthy, so are we.
A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may be the springboard to eliminate aches and pains and enjoy new strength wherever you go. More energy, clearer thinking and less pain may become habit-forming.
Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments can be the maintenance choice as you explore the best core exercises.
Exercising Your Core
Harvard Health says a powerful limber core can make a lot happen in life. Core exercises to maintain core muscles can strengthen the back, improve balance and tighten abs to help you score on the court or run through the whole day at work.
Here are the things to know.
Sit-ups are out - They are hard on your back, pushing the curve of your spine into the floor and working the hip flexors, which are the muscles that connect the thighs to the lumbar portion of the lower back. When these hip flexors become too strong and tight they can pull on the lower spine creating pain. Mobility issues often come next.
Plank exercises are in - Sit-ups only work on a few muscles, but planks develop the front, back and sides of the body creating a healthy interaction in all of the muscles used for sports and daily tasks.
Before starting new exercises get your doctor's approval and take these steps.
- Warm up marching in place or dancing a little
- Stop if there is pain and find out why
- Research the exercises you are doing
- Learn the correct form first
- Practice regularly
Learn to brace yourself during core exercises while you are standing, sitting or lying on your back by tightening the abdominal muscles, pulling your bellybutton in toward the small of your back. Then tuck in the tailbone. This movement should anchor you helping you hold all of your positions. Make it a regular part of your overall routine.
When you are ready to get started, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you. Affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance. Weekend and evening hours make visits a breeze. Walk-in visits are welcome.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roseville, Minn.