Core Conversations: The Anticipatory vs Reactive Core

October 13, 2010

Our current definition of the Core is well…ill-defined. I know I have beaten this drum before, but in magazine articles, blogs, internet resources, even research articles, different muscles are included in the “Core” depending on who you read. I even hesitate to use the word because it means something different to each rehab practitioner, and fitness professional (or client) I talk with. Each of us thinks we are doing “Core” work with our patients and clients, but how can we be sure if our starting definitions are so vastly different.

Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes….and Pelvic Floor

July 31, 2010

  My Father-in-law’s favorite joke is to lift his arm only to shoulder level and say “Hey doc! I can only lift my arm this high.” Then as he raises his arm to straight overhead, he says “But I used to be able to lift it this high.” After ruling out the need for a […]

What Goes Down Must Come Up

July 16, 2010

Pelvic organ prolapse and associated pelvic floor disorders used to be associated with the aging woman. Unfortunately, these diagnoses are now becoming more common with young women who exercise regularly. Jogging is a common culprit, creating a repetitive impact on a weakened pelvic floor which contributes to descent of the poorly supported pelvic organs. So what is an endorphin junkie who can’t quit the “kick’ they get from a good run to do about their heavy, painful sagging insides?

I Got 99 Problems, but my Core Ain’t One

May 24, 2010

Hello. My name is Julie, and I’ve got a problem. I’m addicted to the Core.

But not the watered down Core as defined by so many health magazines, TV informercials and fitness blogs. You know, the Core that has anywhere between 12 and 29 muscles that you’re supposed to “engage” simultaneously with exercise or a Core Blaster for only 3 payments of $29.99. And I am not addicted to the Core that is focused only on abdominals. Has that flattened your tummy, yet?

5 Things You Should Know About Your Core Exercise Program

March 18, 2010

Each evening after I put my kids to bed, I spend time searching the web for research, articles and blogs pertinent to women’s health and fitness. As my kids drift peacefully off to dreamland, I get more and more agitated at the misinformation that is being promoted on the web, particularly as it relates to […]

Five Things to do Before You Get Pregnant

February 22, 2010

When my husband and I were preparing to start our family we discussed a six month pre-pregnancy cleanse that we would BOTH embark on to get ready. This meant that as our first step toward pursuing parenting as a team WE would eliminate alcohol, processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, caffeine, etc. Hubs negotiated his […]

How Strong is Your Core?

February 5, 2010

These days, books, DVD’s, gyms and the web all promote Core strengthening programs.”Engage your Core” is a common instruction given with the demonstration of an exercise. But how do you know if your Core is actually engaging? Take our quiz and find out. 1. Does your belly pooch out while you are doing crunches? If […]

Injury-proof your workout

January 20, 2010

Before my transition to women’s health, I cut my teeth as a physical therapist in the world of sports medicine, working with recreational and professional athletes. Most of my patients found their way to me as a result of three things 1) overly aggressive exercise program progression 2) moving too quickly back into exercise after […]

Kegel 2.0 Part 2

January 5, 2010

In Kegel 2.0 Part 1, we worked on increasing awareness of the portion of the pelvic floor that helps stop leaks by using a positional cue, shifting at the ankles as if you were going off a ski jump. This position gives women better awareness and access to this elusive set of muscles so they […]