"Working your abs to look good is important.

It is more important, however,

To work your abs so you can stay injury-free

and enjoy a higher quality of life.”

Paul Chek

There are some common postural effects such as forward head, rounded shoulders, altered biomechanics, multiple pain syndromes and reduced balance and agility which affect office workers, homemakers and sportsmen alike. Core strengthening is concerned with tackling these chronic issues by correcting postural and muscular imbalances. When people talk about the body’s ‘core’ they are speaking of a group of 4 muscles:

• Rectus Abdominis

• External Oblique

• Transversus Abdominis

• Internal Oblique

The first step in training the core is to assess the balance and strength of each of these muscles and the mobility and strength of the back. The ability of the individual to stabilise the trunk is also tested.

Unlike gym training, team-sport training and larger Pilates classes, with 1-on-1 Core Strengthening Training the individual’s posture and imbalances can be considered, as well as the ability to monitor the volume, intensity and time under tension of both flexion and extension of the body. Early on most work is floor based but this program is progressive so the use of weights, Swiss balls and the innovative Kinesis Cable System will be involved. A commitment to attend a minimum of 6 Pilates & Core Strengthening sessions must be made to ensure early detection of mistakes and to guard against further development of imbalances.