HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE MUSCLES IN 4 EASY STEPS
1. Engage your transverse abdominis
3. Mini-squats with squeezes
The transverse abdominis is a deep muscle that wraps around the lower section of your abdomen, much like a belt. The ability to actively engage this muscle helps to put your spine into better
When you do dynamic exercises you are able to work a wide variety of muscle groups together. Put a ball, such as a soccer or volleyball between your knees. If you don’t have a ball, place a rolled up pillow. Gently squeeze the ball between your knees and practice the tightening of your transverse abdominis as described above. Now, holding onto a steady surface, squat down slightly and try to feel your thighs, stomach and back working together to lower you down and push you up. Start out with 2 sets of 10 repetitions, then work your way up over a week to 3 sets of 15. 4. Alternate arms and legs If you have back pain, consult your physical therapist before trying this. Perform this exercise by laying on your stomach and lifting your right leg up and your left arm at the same time. Remember not to go into any pain with this exercise and you only need to raise your arms and legs up 2-3 inches off the floor. You will feel this contracting the muscles in your spine. Hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Now gently lower and repeat on the opposite side. Try 10 repetitions, then over the course of a week, work your way up to 2 sets of 15 repetitions. “...I can tell they truly care about my health and recovery.” “I have been very limited in my range of motion from an elbow break 6 months ago. PTII has helped me get my range back and I can tell they truly care about my health and recovery. PTII has an excellent atmosphere. I enjoy my days at Physical Therapy Institute of Illinois!” - C.M.
alignment. Begin to work this muscle, by lying on your back with your hands on your lower abdomen. Focus on relaxing all other muscles, except for drawing your lower abdominals in towards your belly button. Hold these contractions gently, but firmly for 10 seconds, then repeat 10 times. Once you get the hang of contracting your transverse abdominis lying down, begin to contract it while sitting, then standing. This is a great exercise to do any time of day. This exercise is a must for any mom, as the abdominals become stretched out during pregnancy. 2. Strengthen your hip abductors The hip abductors are on the outside of your hips and consist mainly of your gluteus medius and minimus. These muscles are easy to exercise standing up. Simply hold onto a firm surface and lift your leg out to the side for 10-15 repetitions. Feel the muscles working on the outside of the hip. Do at least 2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions on each side.
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