Train for Life

Tag: Strengthening

  • Test Your Posture: Part 2

    The second post of this three part series will cover your low back and hip positioning, also known as the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC).  I will discuss the three common postural distortions observed in my clients, and recommend flexibility and strengthening exercises to combat these asymmetries, or muscle imbalances.  Excessive Forward Lean Overactive (tight) Muscles Soleus: O…

  • Test Your Posture: Part 1

    Sit up straight! Stand up straight! Shoulders back!  Chest out! Abs in! You have learned the importance of good posture since you were a kid.  But, how do you assess your posture? “Do I have good posture?”  “Do I have poor posture?” “How do I improve my posture?” Your questions will be answered in this Test Your Posture…

  • Core Exercises: Part 2

    Global Stabilization System Muscles attach from the pelvis to the spine. Main responsibility:  Transfer weight between the upper body and lower body Additional responsibilities:  Stability between the pelvis and spine, increasing stabilization of the core during functional movements Muscles, include: Quadratus Lumborum, Psoas Major, External Oblique, portions of Internal Oblique, Rectus Abdominis, Gluteus Medius, Adductor…

  • Core Exercises: Part 1

    Local Stabilization System Muscles that attach directly to your vertebrae (spine). Main responsibility:  Intervertebral stability and intersegmental stability…. Stabilize the spine! Additional responsibilities:  Proprioception and postural control Muscles, include: Transverse Abdominis, Internal Obliques, Lumbar Multifidus, Diaphragm, Pelvic Floor How do you engage these muscles? Place two (2) fingers on your  front hip bone (ASIS, Anterior Superior Iliac…

  • Build Your Foundation – Target Your Core!

    “Ab” exercises are out, Core exercises are in Strengthening your core musculature will help you reach your goal of a flatter, toned midsection and reduce low back pain. What is the “core”? Structures that form the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex (LPHC), which include:  lumbar spine, pelvic girdle, abdomen, and hip joint. What muscles make up the “core”? Local Stabilization System:  Muscles attach…