By: Chris Kelly CSCS (NSCA), CES, PES (NASM)
This information is from Chris Kelly’s eLearning continuing education course:
Restore the Core: Integrated Core Training for Real World Function. See the full course for additional core assessments with video, and several core exercises and progressions with videos.
Part 2 of the Core Series is Core Complete Training: A Systematic Approach for Aesthetic Core Development by Chris Kelly.
Five Step Process for Restoring the Core
Much like a weight belt, the abdominals tighten around the spine to provide support during exercise or daily tasks such as bending over and rotating. Contracting the abs in this fashion is known as an abdominal brace.
Step 4: Free Standing Strength Training
Though weight lifting is traditionally viewed as an opportunity to strengthen the limbs, the truth is that any free standing exercise can also be seen as core training by simply initiating an abdominal brace during the activity. Certain exercises can be modified to increase the stabilization requirements in specific directions.
These include:
Exercises which involve pressing, pulling or carrying weight on one side of the body forcing muscles of the core to prevent rotation or lateral flexion of the torso.Anti-extension Exercises:
Exercises which involve pressing overhead, rowing against gravity or pushing up against gravity forcing the core to prevent excess extension of the torso or arching of the back.
Including these exercises in your training program allows you to mimic situations for your client which increase stability demands such as carrying a briefcase and lifting items overhead.
See Sample Video for Example Standing Strength Training Exercise:
About the Author
Chris Kelly is an experienced fitness journalist, speaker, and strength coach. With over ten years in the fitness industry, Chris’s experience spans from work in rehabilitation settings to strength and conditioning for athletes.
As a fitness speaker, Chris has authored numerous seminars and workshops focusing on back pain and restorative core training along with a variety of related topics. He holds fitness certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Chris received a bachelor’s degree in communications from St. Johns University in Queens, New York, and a master’s degree in journalism with a specialization in health and science from Columbia University in New York City.
An experienced health writer, Chris has also written extensively on fitness, healthcare, and nutrition. His writing has appeared in numerous publications including Exercise for Men, Prevention, Health, and the Boston Globe.
Copyright Fitness Learning Systems Inc. 2016
