The Importance of Stabilization

 The importance of stabilization and core strength is exemplified by looking at the structure and function of the trunk and spine. Building a big strong upper body and big strong legs without strengthening the core musculature leaves you with a weak link-right in the low back area! 

A good analogy would be beefing up a drag race car with a new super engine, throwing big traction racing tires on the back, then putting in a stock drive train that has not been used in years and has been rusting on the shelf.  Something is going to give.  In the case of the body the weak link that gives tends to be the low back.

The outer muscles of the trunk must balance the spine while the deep muscles provide the link between the segments of the spine.  It is inefficient to have strong outer muscles if the internal support structure is weak.  It is crucial for the spine to be strong as a whole before it can be strong in relation to the body.  Weak supporting muscles will compromise the function and movement of the body. 

Traditional strength programs do not adequately recruit, strengthen or improve the endurance of the deep supporting muscles.  Localized, specific and integrated exercises that train for control of these muscles are essential for improving muscle recruitment and is necessary for stability of the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine.  FreeMotion exercises train both the deep abdominal muscles, as well as the outer muscles.  The strength that results in the muscles will provide support to the trunk, spine and extremities for optimal movement performance.