Core Strength Is Not What You Think
For most people, the term “core strength” conjures up imagery of six-pack abs. The reality is, that quintessential core strength aesthetic only captures a fraction of what it means to have good core strength.
Many people don’t realize just how many muscles are considered core muscles. In fact, core muscles completely surround and support the pelvis and spine. They connect the upper body and lower body, effectively transferring forces from one to the other.
Let’s put this into context. Whether you’re hitting a badminton birdie or sweeping the floor, the necessary motions either originate in your core or move through it. No matter where motion starts, it ripples upward and downward to adjoining muscles.
The pelvic floor muscles are the foundation of the core.
These muscles are like a sling that support the pelvic organs and control pressure inside the body. They also work with the deep abdominal muscles, back muscles, and diaphragm to support the spine.
Also essential to core strength are the several layers of abdominal muscles. The deepest layer is the transverse abdominis, which stabilizes the spine and pelvis. Then there are two layers of oblique muscles which control side bending, rotation, and other spinal movements. The topmost muscle, the rectus abdominis, is known as the six-pack muscle. It runs vertically in the front of the abdomen and enables the torso to flex forward for crunch-like movements.
When the whole core is strong, movement has power. In fact, a strong core underpins almost everything you do:
- Everyday actions. Bending to put on shoes, turning to look behind you, sitting in a chair, or simply standing still are just a few of the mundane actions that rely on your core. Bathing and dressing also call on your core.
- Housework. Bending, carrying, hammering, reaching overhead, vacuuming, mopping, and dusting are all acts that spring from or pass through the core.
- On-the-job tasks. Jobs that involve lifting, twisting, and standing all rely on core muscles. Even sitting at a desk for hours engages your core.
- Sports and other activities. Golf, racquet sports, biking, running, swimming, baseball, volleyball, kayaking, rowing, and many other athletic activities are powered by a strong core. Sexual activities also call for core strength.
- Balance and stability. Your core stabilizes your body allowing you to move in any direction or stand in one spot without losing your balance.
- Good posture. Good posture trims your silhouette and projects confidence. More importantly, it lessens wear and tear on the spine and allows you to breathe deeply. Good posture helps you gain full benefits from the effort you put into exercising, too.
Many Don’t Realize That A Weak Core May Be Causing Their Problems
Since core strength is integral to comfortable and healthy function, it’s easy to understand why weak core muscles cause so many problems. For some, it might only zap power from their movement or cause them to slouch. If you’re thinking, “big deal… it’s not like I’m an athlete or a model” – think again. A weak core inevitably causes bigger issues.
Everything is connected, so a weak core can impair how well your arms and legs function. Not surprisingly, it causes lower back pain for a lot of people. A weak core is the number one risk factor for injuries, especially lower back injuries, but also shoulder, hip, and knee injuries. Even if a weak core isn’t the sole reason for a person’s injury, it usually plays a part.
Eventually, a weak core makes everyday tasks difficult and it makes you a fall risk. It is often to blame for loss of bladder and bowel control, which are common even though people don’t talk about them. It can even cause pelvic organ prolapse in women and men.
It’s fair to say that a weak core causes a range of issues. All of them represent either loss of quality of life, loss of independence, or both.
How To Strengthen Your Core
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to strengthen and exercise core muscles. Kegels and crunches are two obvious exercises that target core muscles, and a personal trainer can recommend a series of exercises tailored to your individual needs. There are also core-specific activities like yoga, pilates, and fitness classes.
At Body Works Med Spa & Wellness, we offer a special kind of core strength therapy. In fact, it’s the world’s first and only non-invasive whole core treatment, and probably the fastest and easiest way to getting a strong core. It’s called Core to Floor therapy.
Core to Floor therapy combines Emsella and Emsculpt Neo treatments to firm and tone the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles.
In case you don’t know, Emsella is a revolutionary technology that uses High Intensity-Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to strengthen the pelvic floor. One treatment of Emsella is the equivalent of 11,200 kegels. Emsculpt Neo uses HIFEM energy to strengthen the abdominal muscles, building an average of 25% more muscle. One treatment of Emsculpt Neo on the abdomen is the equivalent of 20,000 crunches. As a bonus, it offers an average of 30% fat reduction around the abdomen.
This combination therapy improves neuromuscular control, which either restores or maintains strength, balance, continence, and intimacy. More than 95% of subjects in clinical studies were satisfied with the therapy. Clients regain and maintain vitality and quality of life with Core to Floor therapy.
Core to Floor therapy usually requires 4 treatments of Emsculpt Neo within a 2-week timeframe and 6 treatments of Emsella within a 3-week timeframe. Each treatment takes about 30 minutes and we schedule appointments to maximize your convenience.
Body Works Med Spa & Wellness is the only provider of Core to Floor therapy in Atlantic Canada.
We love being able to help people improve their core strength, thereby living healthier lives with greater confidence and quality of life. If you’re interested in Core to Floor therapy, the first step is a free virtual or in-person consultation. During this free consultation, we’ll determine whether you’re a good candidate for the therapy. If so, we’ll create a treatment plan and quote, and even do a trial treatment. Contact us or use our convenient online booking site to schedule a free consultation today.
