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Want to be a better athlete? Of
‘CORE’se!
by
Dr. Erin White
As athletes, we tend to
focus on building a stronger heart (runners), legs
(soccer), upper body (hockey), back (golf), but we
too often neglect other areas. That’s a big
mistake. A mechanical structure like our spine is
only as good as its weakest link and weak core
muscles can lead to injuries and sub-par athletic
efforts.
Recently, core strength
training, which develops the muscles of the stomach,
back, hips and shoulders has become one of the most
popular areas in the fitness field. More and more
athletes, coaches and trainers in all sports are
recognizing that core training gives you more than
just washboard abs. It also improves your athletic
performance and reduces your risk of injury.
Take your back area for
example. When your back muscles are weak and tight,
you lose mobility and flexibility. When you play a
game or practice, the increased forces acting on
your back will increase the risk of injury to that
weakened core area, which can also lead to hamstring
pulls, Achilles and knee problems.
This is why, as an
athlete, you need strong core muscles to keep that
pesky low back functioning properly. A
well-balanced core will also improve your
coordination and efficiency. The end result is
faster times, harder shots, higher jumps.
To improve your core,
probably the most effective and cost-efficient aid
is the exercise ball. The only problem is there are
literally thousands of articles, books and online
websites promoting their program which may not be
suitable to you or your sport.
A relatively new,
research-based, sport-specific program called Core
Ball Training (CBT) is a deceptively effective tool
that pairs the use of a unique copper-coloured ball
with an online trainer. The innovative idea with
this program is the exercises are right on the ball
and your health care provider familiar with CBT will
prescribe the appropriate exercises at the
appropriate time, based on your injury or sport.
This program is endorsed
by the NHLPA and is one of the most exciting
exercise concepts I have seen.
If you are interested in
this program or are a coach/trainer etc. that may be
interested in introducing this to your team contact
Dr. Erin A. White. Sport specific programs for
golf, hockey, baseball, triathlons/running, cycling
etc. can be taught by Dr. White. He can be reached
at 519-332-4222 or
ewhitedc@xcelco.on.ca
or
info@drwhite.ca.
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