Dr. Sam Sukkar - October/November 2023

Core Strength Beyond Crunches DISCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT EFFECTIVE AB WORKOUTS

Even if a person does achieve those prominent ab muscles through situps and crunches, they likely still have weak core strength. Those exercises only work your external muscles, not your inner core muscles. So, while they may be able to flex their abs, they likely couldn’t hold a plank for very long. What is your core? You may hear the term “core” thrown around often, but where exactly is it, and what does it do? Your core is more than just abdominal muscles and includes muscles around your spine and pelvis. Your core muscles allow you to do most of the movements you make throughout the day, such as bending forward, rotating left and right, and holding yourself upright. When your core is weak, the muscles may not support you properly as you move about your day, which may lead to back or neck pain.

As a result, if you suffer from backaches, try core-strengthening exercises to better support your spine. Try an alternative to crunches. Since crunches aren’t the best for core strengthening, it’s time you start trying something different. There are plenty of core- strengthening exercises for every fitness level, whether you’re a beginner, injured, or a pro. In particular, Pilates is an incredible type of exercise that focuses entirely on core strength and will have you feeling stronger in no time. If you want to get started, try some easy movements at home. Planks, bridges, toe taps, and swimmers are all great ways to build your core strength. However, you should always consult your physical therapist about the best core exercises for your unique needs.

To say crunches are not fun would be an understatement. Repetitive and sometimes downright painful, this exercise has been touted for decades as the primary way to strengthen your core and get those picture-perfect abs. Well, new research suggests that statement isn’t 100% true. In fact, most trainers and fitness experts now discourage people from doing crunches. When done incorrectly, which most people do, you can cause damage to your spine and neck while gaining few to no results.

How Chemical Peels Can Rejuvenate Your Skin! Peel Away Imperfections

Light Chemical Peels Light chemical peels, also known as glycolic or AHA peels, are the easiest peel to tolerate. A light peel removes just the top layer of your skin to prompt your body to rejuvenate itself. This treatment involves minimal skin redness or irritation, and for the most part, you’ll be able to continue your regularly scheduled activities after your appointment. You will, however, likely require multiple light peels to achieve optimal results.

One of the most frequent questions we get is, “What should I be doing to my skin to keep it healthy?” Our answer? A chemical peel! What is a chemical peel? Chemical peels are a proven way to address nearly any skin issue. This treatment involves using a safe acid solution on a patient’s face to remove the top layers of damaged, imperfect skin. By removing these outer layers, we can unveil a brand-new layer of skin that is smoother and more beautiful. Now, when it comes to chemical peels, there are three types: light, medium, or deep peels. The length of a patient’s treatment, as well as their recovery and aftercare, will depend on which type of peel they receive. So, to give you a better idea of which type of chemical peel you may be interested in, let’s look at the key differences between each level.

Medium chemical peels take 15 minutes and are a fantastic way to treat acne scars, uneven texture, pigmentation issues, and fine lines. Deep Chemical Peels Deep peels, or phenol peels, are very aggressive. They penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and, in doing so, require a more substantial recovery period. In fact, you’ll have to stay at home — out of the sun — for two weeks after treatment, as the outer layers of your skin slough off to reveal new, undamaged, pink skin underneath. This treatment is aggressive for a reason: It successfully treats severe skin imperfections that the first two peels cannot reach, such as very sun- damaged skin and deep wrinkles.

Light chemical peels are best for treating fine lines, acne, dry skin, and pigmentation issues.

Medium Chemical Peels Medium peels, or TCA (trichloroacetic acid) peels, go a bit deeper than a light peel, and over a week’s time, the outer layer of your skin — and its imperfections — will shed. Then, your smooth, glowing, perfect skin will take its place!

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