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“Oh my aching back” you say.
Look down it’s probably that gut hanging over your belt!
I
get the impression that women feel like they are the targets of my columns
more than men. So even though this month’s subject could in fact be
relevant for some women, I am mainly making males my target this time.
Here’s why. Gyms are filled with both men and women but it’s usually women
who take advantage of core classes that target abdominal muscles as though
they are the only ones who recognize the importance of a well rounded
fitness program that includes the abdominal muscles.
 As
I walk around the gym and the community in general, I see men with guts
hanging over their belts. Some of these men have well defined muscle
structure everywhere else. Some of the same guys complain about back
issues, specifically lower back issues.
Well Duh! Abdominal muscles, also referred to as stabilizers, are the main
muscles responsible for supporting your spine. People should not work the
abdominal muscles for the sole benefit of showing off the ‘six pack’,
although some ego hounds may.
Every day we put our spines through the rigorous challenge of our daily
tasks that include bending over (forward, laterally and back), lifting
objects, getting up and down, running, walking, twisting, throwing
objects, etc. The spine in a structural sense is the main stabilizer
(center) of our axial skeletal system and over time bears the brunt more
directly for everyday tasks in the absence of well developed abdominal
muscles.
The
less you develop and take care of your abdominal muscles, the more wear
and tear to your spine. This is why we refer to our ‘core’ or abdominal
muscle groups as ‘stabilizers’. The stronger your core, the more support
to your spine.
Lack of core muscle development along with excess fat storage around the
middle exacerbates the problem even more. Your lower spine area (lumbar
region) now has the added responsibility of supporting that excess weight.
You
hearing me guys?? Stop shunning the valuable core exercises that can make
a huge difference in your quality of life. Stop making excuses by blaming
your gut and lower back pain on injuries that you could have prevented by
developing and maintaining stronger abdominal muscles.
If
you do in fact have an injury, it is not too late. A proper core exercise
plan helps alleviate pain and is often part of the therapy set out by your
occupational or physical therapist…too bad you waited so long.
Along with the benefit of enhanced athletic performance, proper overall
muscle development, decreased risk of injury, and better maintenance of
your spine, you also get the benefit of looking better. Women should not
be the only ones concerned with maintaining a proper waist measurement.
We’d appreciate it if you guys would step up to the plate and care about
looking good (and taking care of yourself) for us too.
With less gut hanging over your belt you’ll not only look and feel better,
you might be able to see your feet again and actually reach for them…AND
you won’t have to walk your dog carrying one of those lazy man pooper
scoopers with the long handle. Really now? I mean…. seriously?
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