An interesting article in the New York Times about current research that questions the value of popular "core strengthening" exercises that call for the navel to pull towards the spine and the low back to flatten to the floor. These actions emphasize engagement of the deepest layer of abdominal muscle, called the Transverse Abdominus (TA). It suggests that strengthening the TA may be overemphasized, possibly to the detriment of the lumbar spine which is stressed by pressing the low back to the floor.
The Core Debate
The Core Debate
The Core Debate
An interesting article in the New York Times about current research that questions the value of popular "core strengthening" exercises that call for the navel to pull towards the spine and the low back to flatten to the floor. These actions emphasize engagement of the deepest layer of abdominal muscle, called the Transverse Abdominus (TA). It suggests that strengthening the TA may be overemphasized, possibly to the detriment of the lumbar spine which is stressed by pressing the low back to the floor.