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You know the thing when you say a word so many times it starts to sound really weird and lose its meaning altogether? Like if I say cucumber cucumber cucumber cucumber cucumber cucumber cucumber you get the picture…
I feel that way about “core.”
What does core even mean anymore? What is everyone talking about? What are they even saying? What are they trying to communicate with me?
To me, "core," the way that it's thrown around gyms and studios, is meaningless at this point.
What I see when people are working on their "core" is people gripping their butt cheeks and pulling their stomachs in so hard that it sort of bears down and bulges out.
This isn’t a functional movement. This isn’t a healthy recruitment of muscles. This is shitty teamwork. I see muscles battling each other trying to show off like this workout is the freaking Hunger Games.
People talk about working on their core all the time and all they want are ab exercises.
People talk about working on thier fitness and health and they want ab exercises.
People talk about wanting to relieve back pain, incontinence, and painful sex, and they want abs exercises.
And if you had a baby? It’s all about your belly right? Tightening things back up through “core” exercises.
Well, I’m here to set the record straight! I'm about to throw down some serious knowledge! Are you ready for the truth bomb coming your way? Because you know I’m ready to throw down.
Your abs are not the most important part of your core.
There I said it. SOMEONE HAD TO SAY IT!!!!!!!
Because I’m sick and tired of you being sold a bag of lies!
In classical Pilates, which is how I was trained, we don’t say core, we say powerhouse. I know some of the more contemporary styles/schools of Pilates say core, but I wasn’t trained that way and even if I had been, I now have a bone to pick with “core” which I keep making abundantly clear.
And your powerhouse is made up of different muscle groups working together in concert to provide support and stability for your spine and pelvis.
Your abs are ONE PART of your powerhouse! Along with your…
Thoracic Diaphragm
Obliques (which yes are an ob, but on the sides so want to make the distinction and also make it clear this is a 360 situation)
Your transverse abdominals (again an ab, but not the six pack muscle everyone loves)
Your mulitfidi which are lower back muscles that support your spine and pelvis from the back
Your inner thighs which connect to/through/and become...
YOUR PELVIC FLOOR!!! My favorite part of your powerhouse and from my perspective THE most important for us to talk about.
When I say "core" THIS is what I'M talking about.
If you go to see a concert you may remark on how great the band or orchestra is, right? That is a direct result of each individual musician being the best at their job. First chair, second chair, lead vocals, backup vocals. Each individual part is playing at the top of their game and when put together, working…in concert (see what I did there?) something really special happens, right?
Right.
When you go to see a sports game, let’s say football, and they play really well it’s a result of each individual player being great at THEIR position. Not playing someone’s position or trying to be the quarterback when they are a defensive lineman ← look at me using sports words! Each individual is playing THEIR best in THEIR role to create an undefeated team!
This is what we want in our powerhouse AND in our pelvic floor. Both of these systems are made up of a group of muscles, a team of players. A full orchestra of individuals who each need attention and accountability in order to make the magic happen.
If you’re looking for optimal muscle function, pain free workouts and sex, health and wellness, the ability to move your body any and every way you want confidently and continently, you can’t just do abs.
You need and deserve more than that.
Which is why I teach the way I do.
Do you want to know my dirty little secret? The secret sauce that I teach all my clients and make their dreams on and off the mat come true?
When you redirect your focus to your pelvic floor, all those other muscles fall into line and get their shit together. They join the party and start supporting each other, working in balance and harmony, and you don’t have to think of a million different things at once.
It’s almost like…your pelvic floor WANTS to be involved and so rewards you for connecting the dots by connecting more dots.
Your pelvic floor is the keystone to the “core” confidence and continence you’ve always dreamed of.
I know what you're thinking... "OMG I need to start using my pelvic floor!" I see you friend! Reply to this email and I'll make sure you're the first to know when the next round of the online mat class opens up so you can get started on your path to stronger muscles, better sex, and confident sneezes.
As always, I’ve got your back. I’ve got your front. And I’ve got your undercarriage.
xo, Alissa