By Introduction
Core strength isn’t just about having a flat tummy. It’s about strengthening the muscles around your spine, for more strength and to prevent injury. It can help ease pain in the lower back and hips due to weak muscles.
Core-strengthening exercises focus on the deeper muscles in the trunk, like the pelvic floor, transverse abdominal wall, multifidus, diaphragm, and lats. When these muscles are strong, they create a good base for activities like weightlifting and running.
Remember to practice core exercises consistently, like twice a week. This is known as ‘muscle memory’, when long-term muscle development is achieved with regular exercise instead of short bursts.
Posture and Alignment
Great posture and alignment are key to having a strong core. Poor posture can lead to back pain, and even other health issues. Enhancing your positioning can reduce strain on your spine and lower back, and bolster core strength. Let’s check out how posture and alignment can help ensure strong, pain-free backs.
Maintaining good posture
Good posture can help stop pain and tiredness from bad body mechanics. It can also stop injury.
Good posture means training your body to stand, sit, and lie in positions where the least strain is on your muscles and ligaments. When done correctly, it supports your body, lessening muscle tension and shielding your bones, joints, and ligaments from harm.
Your head should be over your shoulders when standing or sitting. Make sure these points are aligned:
- Shoulders over hips.
- Eyes facing forward.
- Head up, not down or jutting forward.
- Belly in, not sticking out.
- Weight spread evenly on both feet, slightly wider than hips apart.
Bad posture harms your back over time. For example: Slumping on a computer causes neck pain; bending while walking stresses lower back muscles; bad spine alignment while sleeping leads to nerve blockage and pain; an exaggerated pelvis tilt changes all spine curves, putting pressure on discs, muscles, joints, ligaments, and nerves, causing more than just pain.
To find your best stance: Stand against a wall or door frame with your heels 18 inches away. Your neck should be level with the rest of your spine when seen from behind. Bring your shoulder blades into slight outward rotation while against the wall. This holds them down and back, not forward. An “S” shape should travel along each side of your spine as seen from behind. Ribs should be connected firmly to hips. No over-extension should happen at your lumbar/sacrum area.
Understanding spinal alignment
Spinal alignment is key for posture and overall body function. The spine consists of 33 vertebrae, divided into five regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccyx. Each region has its own curve pattern. Normal curvature is from the cervical to lumbar regions, while the sacral and coccyx regions remain neutral.
When keeping spine alignment neutral, keep your head forward of chest and shoulders over hips. Avoid too much arching or rounding of lower back. Knowing proper alignment helps with everyday activities like sitting at a desk or walking. Core strengthening exercises can also help improve posture. This increases stability around the spine, and makes it easier to maintain correct form while standing or moving.
Core Strengthening Exercises
Core strengtheners are ace for having a strong, ache-free back. These drills target the muscles that stabilize and support your spine, like the abs, back, and glutes. Aside from muscle-building, these exercises can also help with balance and posture.
Here are some of the top core strengtheners for a strong, pain-free back:
Plank
Plank is a great core-strengthening exercise. It works all your core muscles, plus your hip flexors, shoulders and glutes. Doing planks builds a strong foundation for your body, improving posture and strength.
To get started:
- Lie down on your stomach, toes tucked, arms bent at shoulder level, fingers pointing to your feet.
- Engage your abs, push your toes and lift onto your forearms. Elbows should be bent, right underneath you, in line with shoulders.
- Keep your back straight, abdominal muscles tight, chin slightly tucked and shoulders away from ears. Use blocks if extra height is needed.
- Hold for 30 seconds. Increase to 1 minute or longer if desired. Do 3 sets of planks.
Side Plank
Side Plank is an awesome way to strengthen your core. It’s simple to do but very effective.
- Lie on your side. Put one leg out straight and the other bent at 90 degrees. Place your weight on the bent elbow of your upper arm. Stack your toes and lift your hips up until they are in line with your body.
- Hold for 15-20 seconds. Keep your abs and shoulders tight so your back does not sag. If you need, break it up into shorter holds over 15 minutes.
- To make it tougher, add an arm movement like stretching it away from the body or lifting it slightly. As you get better, work up to 40 seconds! Keep good form for best results.
Bridge
A bridge is a great strengthening exercise for your core. It can help posture and reduce back pain.
To do it, begin on your hands and knees. Place your hands on the ground below the shoulders and your feet flat on the floor. Arms should be straight. Engage your tummy and lift your hips towards the ceiling. Push your shoulder blades down into the floor. Pause for a few seconds at the top. Then slowly lower back to the start.
Adding a weight, like an exercise ball, across the lower back increases intensity. It will also help improve stability, strength, and balance. Plus, it can relieve lower back pain caused by overuse of joint muscles.
Superman
Do Superman! Strengthen your core muscles in your lower back. This exercise targets multiple muscle groups. Lie on your stomach. Arms and legs should be extended. Don’t arch your back. Draw your navel towards your spine. Raise arms and legs off the ground. Move slowly and with control. Hold for five seconds. Return to starting position. Aim for ten reps.
To challenge yourself, hold an abdominal crunch at the top of each rep for up to 5 seconds.
Bird Dog
Bird dog exercise is key for core strength. Get down on all fours, keeping shoulder over elbows and lower back straight. Steady shoulders and hips, slowly reach one arm out and opposite leg back. Hold for seconds, then return to center. Repeat five times per side. Modify by holding a resistant band or lying on a stability ball.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching is a great way to maintain strong core muscles and prevent back pains. It increases range of motion, reduces tension, and boosts strength. Doesn’t matter if you’re new to it or have been at it for a while – stretching can help everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the best stretching moves for a strong, pain-free back:
Cat-Cow
The Cat-Cow stretch is awesome for warming-up the spine and lower back. It helps with flexibility, stiffness, and range of motion.
- Start on your hands and knees.
- Inhale and arch your back like a scared cat. You’ll feel a stretch in your abs and lower back.
- Exhale and drop your belly. Arch your back the other way, like a content cow. Reach your chin to your chest to deepen the stretch.
- Do this 10 times or up to 1 minute, depending on how you feel.
Thread the Needle
The Thread the Needle exercise is great for increasing mobility in the spine and relieving tension in the back, shoulders and chest. It can be done either sitting or lying on your back with your arms stretched out on either side.
To do it:
- Sit up straight or lie down on a flat surface, like a rug or mat.
- Inhale deeply. As you exhale, take one arm over your head and reach it towards the opposite shoulder blade.
- Then, circle the arm around to the other shoulder blade. Keep breathing slowly into your lower abdomen.
- Don’t push it too far; you should feel a stretch, but not pain or discomfort.
- Hold the peak stretch, then repeat the exercise on the other side.
Child’s Pose
Child’s Pose is a starter yoga pose. It stretches the lower back and hips. It’s a great first stretch for any routine. It helps to reduce tension and increases range of motion.
Get down on all fours. Make sure knees are apart, toes touching the back. Now, bend forward until your forehead touches the ground. Extend arms in front. Hold the pose for five to ten breaths. Breathe deeply into your belly while inhaling and exhaling.
This pose lets you relax. It also stretches muscles in the spine. This strengthens, keeps it healthy and flexible. Opening the chest helps to move shoulders more. Lengthening the hamstrings helps with body balance. For extra support when moving into Child’s Pose, put a yoga block or rolled up blanket under the buttocks.
Seated Spinal Twist
The seated spinal twist is an amazing stretch for lower back pain relief and core muscles. It’s a variation of the classic yoga pose.
Begin by sitting on a comfortable surface with both feet flat. Place your hands behind you and lift your chest. Draw your elbows back in line with your shoulders. Inhale deeply and rotate your waist to look over your right shoulder. Exhale and hold this twist for 8–10 breaths. Allow gravity to deepen the stretch between breaths. Release this side and return to center. Repeat this on the left side for an equal number of breaths. Move further into your range of motion each round.
This stretch can help to alleviate tension from tight core muscles. This can improve your breathing, posture, spinal alignment and overall wellbeing.
Conclusion
Core strengthening to fight back pain isn’t a quick fix – it takes time. But with dedication, you will feel relief and your posture will improve. To prevent back pain, start core conditioning now!
Focus on the centre muscles and build strength outwards. Mobility and Stability training will help you become more injury-proof and get an overall better sense of wellbeing and posture.
Whenever you move, warm up first! Take a few minutes each day to focus on core conditioning for better posture, movement and injury prevention!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is core strengthening?
Core strengthening refers to a set of exercises and movements that target the muscles in the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis area, which make up the core. These exercises help to build strength in the muscles that support the spine, improve posture, and reduce the risk of back pain.
2. How often should I do core strengthening exercises?
The frequency of your core strengthening exercises will depend on your individual needs and fitness level. However, it is generally recommended to do these exercises 2-3 times per week, with a rest day in between sessions.
3. What are some core strengthening exercises?
Some examples of core strengthening exercises include planks, bird dogs, bicycle crunches, and bridges. It is important to start with basic exercises and gradually increase the difficulty as you become stronger and more confident.
4. Is core strengthening helpful in relieving back pain?
Yes, core strengthening exercises can be beneficial in relieving back pain. By strengthening the muscles that support the spine, these exercises can improve posture, reduce strain on the back, and prevent further injury. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, especially if you are experiencing severe or chronic back pain.
5. Can core strengthening exercises be done at home?
Yes, many core strengthening exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment. However, it is important to ensure that you are performing the exercises correctly and with proper form to avoid injury. Consider working with a certified personal trainer or physical therapist to create a safe and effective exercise program.
6. How long does it take to see results from core strengthening exercises?
The length of time it takes to see results from core strengthening exercises will vary depending on your individual fitness level and frequency of exercise. It is important to remain consistent with your exercise routine and give your body time to adapt and strengthen. With regular practice, you may begin to notice improvements in posture, reduced back pain, and greater overall strength in as little as a few weeks.
