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Are Core Exercise Routines Harmful?
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Core exercise routines are considered an essential part of any fitness regime. The theory is that a strong core will strengthen your back, flatten your stomach and improve your posture. Others will even tell you it will enhance your performance by adding to explosive power from your center.
But where and when did this idea develop? Has this practice been validated by scientific research?
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Many attribute the origins of the core exercise routine to Joseph Pilates, others would argue that George Sandow predated Pilates with his methods. The recent upsurge in interest in core work has seen many exercises devised to work this area but has it now become a fad?
How Much Time Do You Spend On Your Core Exercise Routines?
Whilst I agree that well developed muscles can do all of the above I would argue that many routines to develop core muscles may actually do more harm than good. Why? Surely the popularity of these exercises proof they work. What sort of exercise do you currently use to develop your core strength? Do they resemble a movement that you would use in your sport or every day life? I doubt it.
Why do I think they could affect coordination? See
core stability exercises and performance?
for further information.
And it's not just me who believes that the body should not be trained using isolation techniques. A number of top sports scientists also question the use of core exercise routines, the most notable being the late Dr Mel Siff. The idea that strengthening the tranversus abdominis muscles can help strengthen the back is based on research on people with a pathology causing back conditions. However, should athletes and weight trainers be using the same procedures?
I have coached many sports people who have improved once they have stopped their traditional core exercise routines. I believe the repetition of these routines create unnecessary tension in the abdominals and actually weaken the back by preventing natural coordination. Many exercises involve adopting an 'unnatural' position and working individual muscles in isolation - not how you body would normally function.
If you have a back problem activities that improve your muscle endurance and coordination are far more beneficial than core exercise routines.
As you may be aware, my fitness programs are based on
The Alexander Technique
, the world-renowned system to improve coordination through re-education. I encourage correct patterns of muscle recruitment by ensuring minimal intereference with your built-in movement reflexes. Core exercise routines on their own will not address poor movement patterns.

Develop Your Core Naturally
In place of using muscle isolation techniques to develop your core why not try a more natural way to develop total coordination and work your core muscles at the same time. I have designed a core exercise routine that is not only kinder to your body but is also enjoyable! How many people can actually say their current routines are fun? If it's enjoyable you are more likely to stick with the program and get the results you are looking for.
The Total Exercise Ball Workout:
Improve Your Coordination, Core and Posture
Find out how you can work your core without the bore! Are you fed up of the same old exercise ball routines? Done enough ab exercises to last you a lifetime? Then try this new program on ebook with routines to develop muscle tone, abs, posture PLUS improve your coordination and balance.
For more information click Abs Workout
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How do I stay in shape without core exercise routines?
I would argue that playing a sport involving natural movements is more that sufficient to ensure you stay in shape and work ALL your muscles together. What's more, it's much more fun!
Improve posture without exercises?
If you are using core exercise routines to improve your posture did you know there is an easier way? Not only does it involve no exercise, it also brings about far longer lasting results. My program is based on The Alexander Technique and contains many procedures that will help you improve not only your posture but also your movement, poise, balance and coordination.
For more information on this program
click here
Fitness programs with a difference
No core exercise routines, no repetition of unnatural movements, just a focus on free, unimpeded movement that you can take into your sport or fitness activity.
Want to ask a question?
My view of what fitness means and how it can be attained is different to the conventional approach. If there is anything on this page that you would like to follow up please feel free to
contact me
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