Think you don’t need core stability work?  Think again! 

I recently came across a research study linking core instability with increased risk of overuse injuries in the lower extremities (the hip & legs).  While I did not find that connection surprising, I was not prepared for the percentage – 24%!  In this particular study 139 PE students were tested for core stability & followed for 1.5yrs.  In that timeframe 24% of the participants developed lower extremity overuse injuries.  Furthermore 100% of those who became injured had tested positive for core instability! 

As with any research study data we should be careful about the conclusions we draw.  In this case, just because you have core instability does NOT guarantee that you’ll get an overuse injury of your hip or legs.  But it does seem that, if you have a hip or leg overuse injury, you very well have core instability.  To me the take-home message is this:  To decrease your risk of hip & leg overuse injuries, engage in a quality core stability training program. 

If you are designing your own core stability program, make sure to include exercises like Planks (of all kinds), Bird Dogs, Bridges & Dead Bugs.  And, if you need help assessing your core weaknesses & creating the perfect program to address those imbalances, please contact me!  I’m happy to help!

Cheers,

Coach Michelle