The core determines how we stand and walk and move. The core, depending on whom you ask includes the lower pelvic bowl, the gluts, the abs and in Pilates, they also consider the diaphragm a part of the core as well. What often is not discussed are things affecting the core, fascia, fascial lines and how we develop power from the ground up. Myers who wrote Anatomy Trains cracked the code on how to understand how we develop power and move using both the muscles and the fascial system. Asymmetrical development of the fascia from the ground up will affect your core strength and stability. The fascia has its own nerve and blood supply and develops according to the forces that are placed upon it. If the core is distorted from the ground up, constant exercise is likely to make you tighter rather than more stable. How to know if the core is functioning well? Look in the mirror. Are your hips and shoulders level. Squat down, do you lose your balance or lean to one side. Standing on one leg for 30 seconds can easily tell you how things are functioning. Trying it with the eyes closed is more difficult and is a test for the neurological system. Lunging and getting up are a good indicator for a functioning core. Difficulty on one or the other side while maintaining form should be easy enough to do if your core is functioning as it should. Getting out of a sedan car seat or off the couch should require little assistance with a functioning core. If you are having difficulty with these, work on the basics such as bridging, one legged bridging, gluteal kicks, lateral leg raIses which are exercises our patients are given at the start of their care. If you are in pain, call us and allow us to assess you and help you become trainable so you can strengthen and train the core properly. Smarter, not harder is what we recommend. Our approach includes active evaluation of how you move and function, a full understanding of your history with a comprehensive evaluation and a chronic problem can be improved over time reducing back, leg, knee and even shoulder and neck pain. Book online for either office or call today. If you can do most of these things reasonably well, the exercises suggested by Self magazine below can help further strengthen how your core works. The object is to be able to do things easily without easily injuring your back or neck. Having 6 pack abs is nice but often there are muscular imbalances that come with that and those problems from tight fascia can result in pain. The self article offices some of the exercises we teach patients including planks, bird dogs and more. Check out the article below. 34 Core Exercises Top Trainers Swear By