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Core Body
Training
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The Core Body -
Key to Stability & Balance What is the Core Body? In terms of anatomy, the core refers, to the body without the legs and arms. Functional movements are related to and dependent on the core. The lack of core development strength can result in a predisposition to injury. The major muscles of the core reside in the area of the belly and the mid and lower back (not the shoulders), and peripherally includes the hips, the shoulders, and the neck. One central concept applies to all sporting disciplines is the strength and control of the core body. The core is the key to stability & balance and is observable in the agility displayed by any successful athlete. All ice skaters must be in total control of their cord body (torso) to maximize their balance which allows the skating blade to perform the fundamental edges and turns. It is a basic tenant upon which each disciple of figure skating is based and evolved to the technical and performance levels expected in tests and competitions today. Body Alignment The art of balancing on a thin figure skating blade is based on the science of physics. Being able to convert a pushing motion against the ice to achieve forward and backward gliding movements in a smooth, fluid motion is an art form. The actual process of skating requires a quick automatic muscle/nerve response to adjust body positions to compensate for changes that continuously occur. Changes of direction, on one foot or requring a transfer of feet, adds to the complexity of maintaining a skater's balance. Other elements such as figure skating jumps, spins, spread eagles, spirals, etc. increase a skater's need to establish and maintain their balance.
The core region of the body consists of more than the abdominal muscles. Strength training of the core body must target all the muscles groups that stabilize the spine and pelvis. These muscle groups play a vital role in sporting activities that require the transfer of energy from large to small body parts. There are three types of muscle groups of the core region of the body:
Recommended Reading: The following articles provide an excellent summary of the concept of training and strengthening the core body as appropriate for specific sports that athletes participation in. Core
Body
Training The body's "core" actually consists of
many
different muscles that
stabilize the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso.
These muscles stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder and provide a
solid foundation for movement in the extremities.
Core Body Stability The muscles of the torso stabilize the spine and provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. These core muscles lie deep within the torso. They generally attach to the spine, pelvis and muscles that support the scapula. When these muscles contract, we stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulders and create a solid base of support. We are then able to generate powerful movements of the extremities. Core Muscle Strength and Stability Test Evaluate core body strength using the Core Muscle Strength and Stability Test is a way to monitor the development and improvements of an athlete's core strength and endurance over time. References: The
Role of Core Stability in Athletic Function : Sports Medicine
The importance of
function of the central core of the body for stabilisation and force
generation in all sports activities is being increasingly recognised.
The role of core stability in athletic function Lexington Clinic Sports Medicine Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40504, USA. The importance of function of the central core of the body for stabilisation and force. PDF Core Stability for Athletes Importance of Core Stability for Sports Performance. The core of the body is a term used to refer to the trunk or more specifically the lumbopelvic region. World Physique » The Athletic Core Muscles of the core have a vital role during athletic movements. They work together to produce and transfer force from one area of the body. The role of core stability in athletic function The importance of function of the central core of the body for stabilisation and force generation in all sports activities is being increasingly recognised. Physical and Mental Training Considerations Resources: The following internet
links have been
gleaned from personal communications
combined with information from public institutions and athletic organizations/ associations that have a web presence with information concerning team and individual sports programs: All
materials are copy protected.
The limited use of the materials for education purposes is allowed providing credit is given for the source of the materials.
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