Tips on how to Engage the Core the Right Way:

• “Abdominal Brace” is what happens when key core muscles in your abdominals, lower back, and buttocks all contract together. The abdominal brace has been proven to enhance stability of the spine and lower back (Kavic & McGill, 2004). When all of these muscles work together, a “super stiffness” occurs – all three layers of the abdominal wall, the back extensors and the gluteus muscles are activated to protect and stabilize the spine and discs.
• Deep respiration while exercising is known to increase your spine’s stability. Take a deep and long breath in before you perform any task or exercise, and breathe out while performing the action/movement part of the exercise. While you breathe out, “stiffen” or brace your trunk and gluteus muscles to reinforce the stability of your spine.

Here are a few exercises that can improve your core and help you maintain a healthy back:

Core Exercise 1

Core Exercise 2

Core Exercise 3

Core Exercise 4

Core Exercise 5

Core Exercise 6

Core Exercise 7

Core Exercise 8