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Core Trainer
Core conditioning and abdominal conditioning have become synonymous in recent years but the abdominal muscles alone are over-rated when it comes to real core strength or conditioning. In reality, the abdominal muscles have very limited and specific action. The “core” actually consists of many different muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso. These muscles stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder and provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities.
Core conditioning exercise programs need to target all these muscle groups to be effective.
The muscles of the core make it possible to stand upright and move on two feet. These muscles help control movements, transfer energy, shift body weight and move in any direction. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back. In fact, it is weak and unbalanced core muscles that are linked to low back pain. Weak core muscles result in a loss of the appropriate lumbar curve and a swayback posture. Stronger, balanced core muscles help maintain appropriate posture and reduce strain on the spine.
Because the muscles of the trunk and torso stabilize the spine from the pelvis to the neck and shoulder, they allow the transfer of powerful movements of the arms and legs. All powerful movements originate from the center of the body out, and never from the limbs alone. Before any powerful, rapid muscle contractions can occur in the limbs, the spine must be solid and stable and the more stable the core, the most powerful the extremities can contract.
Training the muscles of the core also corrects postural imbalances that can lead to injuries.
The biggest benefit of core training is to develop functional fitness – that is, fitness that is essential to both daily living and regular activities. Core strengthening exercises are most effective when the torso works as a solid unit and both front and back muscles contract at the same time, multi joint movements are performed and stabilization of the spine is monitored.
The Panasonic Core Trainer at Clarksville Spine & Rehabilitation
We utilize the Panasonic Core Trainer at Clarksville Spine & Rehabilitation to work all the core muscles equally or enhance the strengthening of selected muscles. Whether physically fit or with exercise limitations, users can easily program the Core Trainer to meet their individual needs. The Panasonic Core Trainer works by constantly moving the user off their center of balance, forcing them to use core muscles to re-balance. With pre-programmed settings, variable tilt and speeds, you can build to an intense core workout. Simply sit and ride for 15 minutes for a complete core workout working all the core muscles equally or enhance the strengthening of selected muscles. It may not seem like it, but the machine does provide a workout. Using it for about 15 minutes a day, three days a week tones muscles, improves posture and increases metabolism, according to studies by Matsushita and a handful of universities.
The Panasonic Core Trainer provides great flexibility in customizing workouts for serious athletes, beginners or others with exercise limitations, such as those who:
- Have difficulty tolerating pressure or stress on joints
- Have limited aerobic capacity
Contact us to talk with Dr. Zupanic or Dr. Rogers to see if core stabilization is for you.