Gym rats love to throw around fancy words like “six-pack abs” and “buns of steel,” but lately everyone is talking about “core muscles.” What in the world are “core muscles”?
Seniors have a lot to worry about. It is hard to think about six-pack abs and buns of steel when you realize that you are getting smaller and your clothes don’t fit. You aren’t as tall or as strong as you were just a few years ago. You know that you need to exercise but you may not know where to start.
Core muscle strength and independent living go hand in hand. It is time to learn whether this is the latest craze or something that you should be paying attention to.
The core, or the center of the body, is protected by muscles that wrap around the pelvis and trunk like a big girdle. These are the core muscles. They may not be as visible or as flashy as some of the other muscle groups but they have a big job to do. Posture, stability, balance, and a strong pain-free back depend on these muscles. Many physical activities depend on the strength and stability of these big muscles.
Therapists recommend activities that strengthen and balance the core muscles. Yoga and Tai Chi come to mind but another popular discipline that you might want to explore is Pilates.
It is up to you to conquer your fears and find an exercise program that you can enjoy. Try not to be intimidated when you start looking around. You can and will find gentle senior friendly versions of all of these disciplines. Exercises is not all about achieving a flat stomach, but about strengthening the muscles that you use every day.
Check with your health care team and get their blessing; they will recommend classes and therapies to get you started. Your local senior center, recreation center, YMCA, and many of the major fitness chains have classes available. Improving mobility and fall prevention is a big deal for seniors.
Please feel free to share your success stories with the rest of us.
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