Building a Superhuman Core
Nowadays you seemingly can’t walk more than 15 feet without crossing paths with a CrossFit gym. Along those same lines, you can’t go more than five clicks (it’s like the internet’s version of the Kevin Bacon game!) before you view some iteration of a “core training” article espousing anything from six-minute abs to improved posture to bringing sexy back.
And guess what? Today I’m sharing my own iteration of a core training article!!!
Except, you know, mine doesn’t suck.
Core training means different things to different people.
On one end of the spectrum you have those trainers and coaches who feel all you need is to deadlift and squat and you’ll cover all your core-training bases. I feel this is a bit of a mis-guided POV. Conversely, on the other end, you have those who will spend half a training session “activating” their TA .
The answer to the riddle, as always, usually lies somewhere in the middle of those two extremes.
I prefer to address core training in a multi-faceted manner where I take each and every individual who walks through our doors at the facility through a litany of assessment protocols to figure out what would be the best approach for him or her.
And it’s with this thought in my mind that I wanted to toss my name into the mix and finally write my treatise on the topic of core training.
It’s pretty good (I think). You should check it out.
Comments for This Entry
George
Outstanding article Tony!April 3, 2014 at 2:50 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Thanks George, glad you liked it!April 9, 2014 at 7:05 am |
Rob
This was really informative. I have never had any back trouble in my life and just last week during a squat (that I was performing with solid posture) my lower back screamed at me and I could hardly stand straight up...long story short, my trainer has me working on some of these exact exercises to not just strengthen but teach me how to activate core to prevent this again. Thanks!!April 4, 2014 at 12:47 am |
TonyGentilcore
Sounds like you have a great trainer.April 9, 2014 at 7:05 am |
Nathan Clay Rogers
I really enjoyed some of the cues you used and some of the really nerdy explanations too. Great article!April 4, 2014 at 3:36 am |
TonyGentilcore
Glad it helped Nathan!April 9, 2014 at 7:05 am |
Jess Mather
Totally tried that contralateral plank lift today with one of my younger patients... Both of my supervising physical therapists were pretty confused by it, tried it, & agreed it kicked ass. Thanks for the move... Will be trying some of the other ones in the future for my rehab patients!April 4, 2014 at 9:04 pm |
TonyGentilcore
hahaha. Yeah, it's a tough one for sure. Glad you liked it and look forward to hearing your thoughts on all the others.April 9, 2014 at 7:06 am |
Dave Redden
That is an awesome article. I can't wait to get at this tonight. I've been feeling some twinges in my lower back lately from a lot of cleans. May take a step back and assess my core before I push much harder.April 8, 2014 at 10:51 pm |
TonyGentilcore
Glad you liked it, and hope it helps!April 9, 2014 at 7:18 am |
Matt
Wow. I'm on this freaking "voyage" to understand my own NSLBP and so far it's like the Neverending Story. You scratch the surface and realize there's so much more to learn. Have ordered Stu's book, happy to be recommended any other resources you think would be useful. Thanks for this article.April 10, 2014 at 7:50 am |
TonyGentilcore
I feel the same way Matt. Sooooooo much to read and watch I sometimes feel I'll never catch up.April 10, 2014 at 9:04 am |