7 Ways to Tell You Have Weak Core Strength

Core strength is about more than just killer abs! When we talk about your core, we’re referring to your abdominal muscle group, pelvis, lower back and hips. So many different forms of movement depend on it, whether directly or indirectly—things as simple as going from lying down, to sitting up and walking for longer periods of time. It’s crucial for balance, stability, strength and much more.

So how can you tell if your core strength is where it needs to be? Here are some signs that your core may need a little bit of work, and a few ways to get started!

The Signs

1. Your low back aches when you walk or run.
2. You find yourself frequently hunching or slouching.
3. You often depend on using your arms to go from sitting to standing.
4. You have a hard time balancing on one leg or walking on bumpy terrain.
5. You frequently experience constipation or other digestion issues.
6. You have a hard time building your overall strength even working out.
7. You find yourself holding your breath when doing core exercises.

Sound familiar? Here are some things you can do.

Getting Started: Core Strength

Adding a few core exercises to your fitness regime can make all the difference in the world. Good core strength isn’t built overnight—it takes time and practice to make sure you’re doing exactly what you need.

To get started, here are some of the most popular moves used to develop core strength:

• Burpees
• Planking
• The Windshield Wiper
• The Bridge

And keep in mind, all of these moves can be modified to suit your needs! That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor or chiropractor before adding them into your routine—there’s no reason to hurt yourself or suffer through something if it’s not suited for your body.

Core Strength and Chiropractic

If you’re working on stabilizing your core, chiropractic care is a must.

Chiropractic encourages optimal structural alignment within the body, which is very important for your core muscles. Every muscle in the body has a regular resting length, and when a muscle is stretched or shortened, usually due to being over- or under-worked, it loses strength. Chiropractic care encourages the optimal resting length of core muscles, giving them a better ability to contract.

In addition, regular adjustments and therapies ensure greater spinal mobility; this also allows for the full contraction and relaxation of core muscles, encouraging them to build a greater level of muscular strength.

Chiropractic care and health education can also help you correct and strengthen your posture, in turn stabilizing the muscles in your lower back.