My newsletters teach people how to move and perform to the best of your abilities through exercises, tips, and evidence-based information and research. I specialize in helping people who have tried PT before without success. Join my newsletter for exclusive information on how to return to fearless movement!
My favorite core exercise (it may not be what you think)
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Hey Reader, I get asked a lot about the "best" core exercises. It feels like everyone has been told that their core is "weak" and that's the reason for their (insert body part here) pain. I'd like to argue that maybe your core isn’t weak, it’s just underutilized. Let’s differentiate. “Weak” = not strong, unable to drive force. “Underutilized” = unable to be recruited effectively, allows other muscles to work harder in its place. Sure, it can also be both. But since our body always works in systems and not individual muscles, isolating your core isn’t going to translate all that effectively into improving your function, strength, or pain unless we teach your core how to work with the other muscles in your body. That’d be like simply learning how to play the scales on your cello and expecting that to be enough to get you first chair in the symphony. That’s why my favorite core exercise is… a squat. In your squat, you should feel your abs working. If you don’t, it means something else is working a little harder than what is ultimately efficient. Squatting in the gym and under load is awesome, and a great way to train these muscles to generate a ton of force. And squatting is also a movement we do functionally throughout our day. (Unlike, say, a sit up). So loading all of our muscles appropriately when squatting in the gym also allows us to translate those skills to help us move throughout the day more efficiently, effectively, and pain free. I made an entire video on this regarding squat form and how to make sure you’re utilizing all of your muscles appropriately. And while everyone’s squat looks a little different, everyone should feel similar muscles working when they squat. Peep the video below to learn more about how to get the most out of your squat in the gym! Yours in fearless movement, Jessie
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Hi! I'm Jessie | I help people move better everyday
My newsletters teach people how to move and perform to the best of your abilities through exercises, tips, and evidence-based information and research. I specialize in helping people who have tried PT before without success. Join my newsletter for exclusive information on how to return to fearless movement!
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Hey Reader, I get asked a lot about the "best" core exercises. It feels like everyone has been told that their core is "weak" and that's the reason for their (insert body part here) pain. I'd like to argue that maybe your core isn’t weak, it’s just underutilized. Let’s differentiate. “Weak” = not strong, unable to drive force. “Underutilized” = unable to be recruited effectively, allows other muscles to work harder in its place. Sure, it can also be both. But since our body always works in...