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Underneath all visible movement lies deeper, smaller movements. This movement we see relies on complex patterns formed deep within our nervous systems. These deeper muscles are called ‘intrinsic’ muscles and function to stabilize joints, give an anchor for mobility, and give biomechanically correct and favorable posture for optimal movement.
When the body encounters an injury or trauma, such as from dance or sports or an accident, the body can develop compensatory mechanisms to continue functioning. The larger muscles take over and the deeper core stabilizing muscles stop working . When these patterns are repeated often enough, they become habitual and automatic. Also, this lack of core stability leads to more muscle imbalance, thus perpetuating and possibly worsening the compensatory effect. Pilates is an effective regimen which can reprogram this imbalance.
Try a self test. This simple test will help you recognize how the back muscles and the abdominal muscles work together for optimal core stabilization.
Sit erect in a chair, a little toward the edge. Place your fingers just inside your hip bones. Pull your navel in toward your spine as you gently straighten your back at the same time. When you feel the muscles tighten under your fingers, you are experiencing co-contraction of the back and abdominal muscles, core stabilization.
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Pilates: Core Exercise |
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To contact us: |
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Pilates Therapeutics LLC and Total Body Development™ |