<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Problem </span></h2>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The<a href="http://bit.ly/2lTqLtc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> ‘Weak Core’ </a>Epidemic - everyone is talking about it but what is it exactly?</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">You get a new client and they say they want to strengthen their core. Maybe they have a sore lower back or have recently been to a therapist who suggested they need strengthen their core.</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Sound familiar?</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">If something is ‘weak’ you strengthen it, right?</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Well not necessarily so let’s start by clearing a few things up….</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">1). Pain or discomfort is not indicative of  being ‘weak’.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">2). An apparent ‘weakness’ can be caused by several things, many of which do NOT, initially at least, require ‘strength’ work. In fact strength work could actually compound issues in some cases.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">3). A ‘weak’ core is being used as a blanket term for a variety of problems.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">4). If you can walk around and hold your body upright then chances are your core ain’t simply in need of strengthening!</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The big question is WHY are is your core ‘weak’???</span>

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<img class="aligncenter wp-image-3229" src="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-29-at-09.45.59.png" alt="screen-shot-2017-08-29-at-09-45-59" width="353" height="235" />
<h2></h2>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Solution </span></h2>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the kind of question we really need to start asking ourselves along with;</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">What exactly does the term ‘weak’ really mean in relation to the core?</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Why are people being told they have a ‘weak’ core if this isn't the case?</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Firstly let’s attempt to define the term ‘weak’.....</span>

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<i><span style="font-weight: 400;">WEAK</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;">; Oxford Dictionary’s Definition;</span>
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">lacking the power to perform physically demanding tasks; having little physical strength or energy.</span></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Ok we get that but how does this translate into this discussion? Well let’s consider a few of the common problems that could contribute to an apparent ‘weakness’ in relation to the core. </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Well we have 3 sub systems within our bodies that make up our intrinsic biomechanical setup. </span>

&nbsp;
<ul>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Myofascial</span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Neural </span></li>
 	<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Skeletal </span></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">These 3 sub systems can directly influence each other in a variety of ways through the kinetic chain or integrated system of how our bodies function. Now should any one of them become problematic they can compensate for each other or because of each other. Here are some common adaptations or compensations we might find in someone identified as having a ‘weak’ core;</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Subclinical muscle spasm (eg; QL, Psoas)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Antagonist inhibition (eg; glutes, erectors)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Joint Stiffness (eg; thoracic spine)</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Nerve Tension (eg; sciatic nerve)</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">What we should be mindful of is identifying the root cause of the ‘weakness’ FIRST, to then address is appropriately rather than assuming it requires core strength work.</span>

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<img class="aligncenter wp-image-3228" src="https://www.biomechanicseducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Screen-Shot-2017-08-29-at-09.46.31-1024x421.png" alt="screen-shot-2017-08-29-at-09-46-31" width="513" height="211" />
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How We Can Help</span></h2>
&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Having looked at the evidence that is out there in relation to assessing and understanding dysfunction around the core area we have developed, tried and tested a system that enables you to do just this. To identify WHY the core maybe ‘weak’. This then allows you to know what to do to correct it with a safe and logical series of periodised core exercise we can show you. This creates a prepared trunk with improved capacity. It would then be logical to follow this with some core strength ratio screening and correction based upon McGill’s work to give your client stability and control. Finally some functional stability screens and exercises would give your clients a greater function and performance ability fit for purpose (client relative). Some of this will certainly include strength work BUT not before creating the base of prepared and improved intrinsic function, capacity and then movement.</span>

&nbsp;

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Do you fancy spending a couple of days discussing the evidence and what we can do to better provide safe training and exercise for your clients?</span>

&nbsp;

<a href="http://bit.ly/2lTqLtc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST </span></a>

&nbsp;

<a href="http://bit.ly/2lTqLtc" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Spine Biomechanics Workshop</span></a>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Sept 7th/8th London (NLSSM) </span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Sept 16th/17h Loughborough University</span>