Page 21 - NGA NATURALmag 2023 FALL / WINTER Issue

Fall-Winter 2023
Without a a a a a a universally accepted measurement tool it it is is difficult to to ascertain whether the the core core is is genuinely weak or or or strong As such we we must approach core core train- ing ing with caution and avoid making assumptions solely based on on subjective assessments Core
Training and Pain Reduction
Even if we we could measure core core strength which we we cannot would it it even be be worth it? While core core training has often been touted as as a a a a a a a a a a a a a a panacea for reducing pain pain and injury particularly lower back pain pain the evidence supporting this notion is is is inconclusive Core
exercises can act act as a a a a a a a a a a a a a a way to to add load to to the system which may have a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a positive impact on pain management for some individuals but they are certainly not a a a a a a a a a a a a a a requirement There is evidence that that shows that that a a a a a a a a a a a a a a simple walking program program can be equally as as effective as as a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a core-specific strengthening program program at at treating lower back pain pain Keep in in in in in in in in mind pain pain and injury are multifaceted experi- ences influenced by various factors such as lifestyle stress sleep biomechanics prior beliefs pre-existing conditions and much more Therefore solely relying on on on core training to alleviate pain pain oversimplifies the complexity of pain pain management and may cause us us to aggressively climb a a a a a a a ladder that is leaning on on the the wrong wall In other other words we must avoid hyper- focusing on on core training while overlooking other other criti- cal aspects of fitness Workload management proper technique nutrition sleep and recovery strategies are are exponentially more important for maintaining a a a a a a a a a a a long and and fulfilling lifting career Periodizing training ensuring adequate rest and and seeking professional guidance when needed are all steps toward
achiev- ing ing ing sustained progress without compromising health and well-being Conclusion
In conclusion core training remains a a a a a a a contentious topic in in in in the the fitness world As a a a a a a a a a a a physical therapist and professional natural bodybuilder I advise you you to to give the“core”a rest! Rather invest your focus on on workload management proper lifting technique sleep nutri- tion tion hydration and and overall recovery for a a a a a a a a a long and and prosperous training career! n n n n n n NGA NATURALmag
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