The demands on women today are higher than ever. With many balancing traditional roles of wife, homemaker and mother, with busy stressful careers and personal interests or hobbies. The result is that many women lead lives that are rewarding – but physically demanding and highly stressful.
While the occasional visit to a hairdresser, manicurist, or spa can temporarily relieve stress. And make us feel good about ourselves, they are not enough. We also know getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising are critically important. But many women who do all three – especially mothers – still suffer because they don’t work on “core strengthening”.
So what is core strengthening?
Core strengthening is exercise that targets muscles deep within the abdominals and back, attaching to the spine or pelvis. Some of these muscles include the transversus abdominis, the muscles of the pelvic floor, the lats and the obliques. Whether you’re running, lifting weights or picking up your toddler, these ‘core’ muscles help keep your body stable and balanced.
Who needs core strengthening?
Most people are aware that after abdominal surgery, core strength has to be rebuilt before they can return to work and other activities. What you may not know, is that building and maintaining this core strength is critically important. Especially to women who have had, or are planning to have children.
Women who have had children already know that pregnancy and childbirth subject the body to tremendous physical and physiological stresses. But, they may not know that following childbirth, core strength is diminished and they are more likely to suffer consequences like low back or pelvic pain and incontinence.
What should you do?
If you are looking for general core stability training exercises, a good personal trainer can get you started. But, if you suffer from back pain, pelvic pain or incontinence during pregnancy or after delivery, you need to see a Physiotherapist.
Low back pain, incontinence and breathing disorders are closely linked. Recent research has shown that a woman who has any one of these conditions is more likely to develop the other two. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms – don’t delay! Book an appointment with a physiotherapist today!
