Core myths

The attached link will direct you to a piece done by the New York Times. It profiles a Canadian PhD named Stuart McGill who has done an extensive amount of research on the lower back. He is an expert on developing exercise programs for people who struggle with lower back pain. I have had the opportunity to be taught by Stuart which I found to be very beneficial. I love the basic point he makes here which is be careful of those who don't know what they don't know. You should strive to always work with rehab professionals and trainers who are using the evidence in the medical research to make decisions regarding exercise and rehab. Sounds simple but you would be surprised. Take the example he uses about core strengthening exercises. He states that the research indicates that certain ab exercises place increased load on the back so why would we knowingly choose them versus another exercise. The classic example is the ball ab crunch. The lower back curve is repeatedly flattened and then arched over the ball. This places stress on the lower back so why not choose an exercise that does not. Certainly with a client that has a history of back issues I am going to avoid this one. Even with clients without back problems I will choose another exercise becuase I know I can challenge them without straining the back. The forward plank is a good example of an alternate exercise. So, take home message is to be mindful of the position of the lower back when challenging the abdominals. Enjoy the video : http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/17/core-myths/