Core Stabilization vs Strength

  There is a lot of articles out there on how to build core strength to prevent back pain.  For me the vast majority needs to be working on core stabilization vs just strength.  I have seen a ton of guys at the gym that do massive amounts of situps and crunches but still complain about back pain. The problem is 3-fold. The core is made up of a lot more than just the 6-pack (rectus abdominus).  There is the obliques and transverse ab muscles, the low back extenders (QL and paraspinals) and the gluteal muscles.  They are addressing only 1. They are working the muscle primarily for strength when… Read More

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The Hip Hinge: 1 of the most important exercises you aren’t doing

Whether you are an athlete or just someone with back pain, the hip hinge is an exercise you should be doing. We have all heard the phrase “Lift with your legs and not with your back.”, this is easier said that done.  Most people make the hinge point in the low back and not the hips.  This puts too much stress on the low back and can lead to injury.  As children we knew the pattern but for various reasons we lost it.  My personal opinion is it is because we sit too much.  Sitting deactivates the core and by sitting and having pressure on the glutes that deactivates them… Read More

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