THE CORE - WHAT IS IT?
Think of it as your middle cylinder. Your core consists of the muscles surrounding your trunk, including your abdominals, obliques, diaphragm, pelvic floor, trunk extensors, and hip flexors. Your core provides stability to your trunk for balance and movement.
At Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates in Geelong & Belmont, our goal is to increase the efficiency of your muscles. There is no wrong way to get muscles to "activate," but by being aware of how your body may trick - we can focus on energy efficiency and ease of movement.
During Physiotherapy Led Clinical Pilates, we may also focus on breathing (holding your breath can be bracing through your core) and your pelvic floor and avoiding baring down. We may also provide you with some specific visual, hands on or specific cues to help you get moving.
SO HOW TO "FIND" YOUR CORE?
We do promise you to have! Try these tips;
Know what a "neutral spine feels like;" everyone's neutral is different Cat cow can help with this.
Belly button to spine/ activate your middle -> KEEP BREATHING! (Super important)
Use bolsters/ supports under the lower back or neck to help find the best length and tension for your muscles
Progress - different positions, less support, more complexity
TRY THESE CUES:
Draw your belly button to your spine
Zip up through the middle
Draw your hips together
Imagine a blueberry under your lower back; aim for light pressure (but don't burst it)
Draw your ribs together
We also have small clips online which may be helpful - check out @movesportsphysio for more tips & tricks.
Still Struggling – touch base and book an initial Clinical Pilates Assessment with the team at Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates. We will get to know you and your body during the session and help you MOVE!