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THE ANCHOR OF MOVEMENT:
The abdominal muscles
connect the lower and upper body and play a crucial role in
how you move and change positions from sitting to standing.
Poor posture such as slouching while sitting or walking can
lead to a host of problems, particularly with your back
including premature arthritis and sexual dysfunction.
BACK PAIN:
The most debilitating
cause of missed work and visits to the chiropractor, back pain
costs society more than all other health problems combined.
The truth is most physicians don’t treat back pain properly
because back pain cannot be treated by medicine and/or surgery
alone. The old-fashioned “give it a pill” and go home or “cut
it out” motto of surgeons may only treat one part of the pain.
Invariably other factors causing back pain will surface.
The abdominal muscles are
critical in back support. These muscles anchor the upper and
lower body. Weak abdominal muscles cause undue strain on the
psoas (hip) muscles and tension in the low back muscles. Weak
abs cause imbalance in the muscles that crisscross the lower
back. This results in a vicious cycle of tug and pull,
ultimately culminating in low back pain.
SEXUAL PERFORMANCE:
From a mechanical
standpoint, the lower pelvic region is intimately connected to
sexual function. Whether you are looking at muscle
strengthening exercises that connect the pelvic and Kegel
muscles, or an analysis of urologic function that can be
diminished from childbirth, strengthening the abs can be of
enormous benefit to sexual pleasure. The seat of sexuality is
rooted in the pelvic area. It is no surprise that belly
dancing is often called “The Dance of Fertility”.
Pilates for your Abdominals:
Abdominals are the core
group of muscles responsible for how your upper body and lower
body relate to each other. The primary focus of abdominal
exercises should be developing the quality and strength of the
muscles. Pilates routines are ideal in targeting core
abdominals and inner abdominals (tranversus abdominus). Unlike
the rectus or “8-pack” muscles that you see, this muscle is
hidden beneath. It forms the foundation for your organs,
breathing ability and the outer abdominals responsible for
posture and back strength.
In the coming weeks and months Couples Company will be
bringing you a series of Pilates routines designed
specifically for adults over 30 and couples with little
time for exercise. These exercises and routines are created
and demonstrated by internationally renowned Pilates Expert,
Rael Isacowitz.
Related
Articles
What can
Pilates do for me?
How do I find a
qualified Pilates instructor?
The Power of
Pilates:
Interview with Rael
Abdominals
Executing the Perfect Pelvic Curl
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