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?
If this is something you feel passionate and educated about then you can teach your client the why’s followed by the how’s
The average client probably has not idea that there is a muscle called the Transverse!
I did a workshop with a Massage Therapist who used masking tape and “taped” my mid body showing how the abdominal muscle fibers run. Many people have no idea about these muscle groups so it may be a matter of showing your client pictures and explaining your stance.
Incorporating full body exercises, planks, pushups, roll ups to name a few is a good way to get your client to understand the connections of our muscles!
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.
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 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.