“Brace your core/Tighten your stomach" is probably the most common thing I say when coaching.
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But what exactly does that mean? 🧐
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Bracing your core is a technique for stabilizing the spine.
When you tighten all the muscles surrounding your abdomen, your erector spinae muscles also go into action & support your midsection in a strong position. 🏋🏼♀️
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So it’s not just your abs that are being called into action- but also your hips, pelvis & back. In simplicity terms👉🏻 Bracing your core stabilizes your midsection to maintain a correct & strong posture.
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Well if its so important, how do you do it? Another great question. 😉
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When I brace my core before a lift, it’s a combination of breathing into my diaphragm & closing my ribcage at the same time.
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Another great way to “activate” your core is through doing slow & controlled abdominal focused movements before you start your main lifts. That way you can physically & mentally prep your body before getting under the load of a barbell. Ex.👉🏻 Planks, hollow rocks, controlled sit-ups, crunch & holds!
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