Teaching strategies to stress the importance of intrinsic core stability (ie: Multifidi and Transverse Abdominus)
What methods have you usedto teach clients that core stability (endurance) must be mastered prior to developing core strength? Often clients request to do abdominal exercises they have read about and or viewed in the gym. It “looks more fun” than the “draw in” type. How do you keep them happy and safe?
By starting at the beginning of foundation movements and progressing with variations of stability training in the initial process. I have several tests/assessments that I use to show clients whether they are ready for more intense progressions. But I don’t do the “standard” RM work, etc. in the beginning. Even my athlete clients have to start with the foundation. Some are resistant, but my results speak for me. We get past the “I want to do this new exercise” thing as soon as it comes up.
I give clients perspective. Core strength is the goal, while building a stabile foundation supports this.
It is not too difficult to relate sitting in a chair all day and immediately getting up to lift a 50lb weight over their shoulder. They know injury is not too far behind.
Creating a periodized map with specific goals in stabilization and strength are helpful.
Hey Frank.
I looked at you profile and noticed that you are ACE Certified. I am as well.
I am a big fan of ACE’s IFT Model. I find it to be very effective. One of the things that I am impressed about is that ACE references individuals who are on top of their game as far as core stability is concerned. Folks like, Shirely Sahrmann, Paul Hodges, McGill, etc.
However, to answer your question, I would really recommend that you look at chapter nine of the the ACE Personal Trainer Manual.
There you will find a wealth of information that will do better justice than me just spitting out some exercises. I sure hope you have the fourth edition of the manual.
I hope this of help to you.
I always start with spinal stabilization exercises before core stabilization.
It is not possible to stabilize the core musculature if one doesn’t have awareness of what is happening at the vertebral column.
I tend to teach spinal stabilization standing, sitting, supine and prone, unloaded and loaded. I also teach the client scapular stability.
Once an awareness is there, I am in a position to teach much more complex movements that involve the entire core.