4 Reasons You Should Build Core Strength

One phrase you may have heard your physical therapist throw around is “core strength.” While you may know that it’s important, you may not know everything that it does for you. That’s why we’ve provided five reasons why you should work on strengthening it:

1. It can enable better balance.
   Most movement in the body starts in the center and moves outwards. That internal band of muscles we refer to as the core is responsible for ensuring that your extremities are able to move correctly and pain-free. Strengthening it allows everything else to fall into place.
2. It will decrease back pain.
   The core muscle group includes the abs. By strengthening them, you’ll put less pressure on your spine as you move, lessening back pain. The core muscles also help hold the spine into proper position, which can lead to a decrease in backaches.
3. It will improve your posture.
   Most of us have terrible posture and don’t even realize we’re carrying ourselves incorrectly! Because stronger core muscles mean less stress on your spine, you’ll have an easier time holding proper posture. Better posture also translates to less aches elsewhere, including the shoulder, neck and back.
4. It can lead to a lower risk of injury.
   By putting less pressure on your back, improving your posture and balance, you will make it less likely that you will experience an injury. If you are athletic, a strong core means it will be easier for you to strengthen all the other muscles, which by extension will lessen your chance of hurting yourself on the field. If you are a senior citizen, a stronger core means you are less likely to experience a fall, which is the top cause for injury and death of the senior population in America.
5. They’re easy to do!
   You don’t need any fancy equipment to start working on your core strength. An effective way to build up these muscles is to draw in your abdominal muscles, hold for a count of five, then release. Think of pulling your bellybutton away from your pant line. Do these approximately 10 times a day.

If you need help building up your core strength, don’t hesitate to give Core PT a call! In the state of Iowa, most insurance providers don’t require that you seek your doctor’s permission before seeing a physical therapist, so you can make an appointment with us directly.