Understanding the Core Source: Bellies Inc.
The Core 4 The true core is made up of a team we call the core 4, that, when functioning optimally, support your spine and pelvis, maintain your continence, contribute to a healthy sex life and hold your internal organs in place – very important jobs! The core 4 are the Diaphragm, the Pelvic Floor, the Transversus Abdominus and the Multifidus. This team is designed to work synergistically in anticipation of your every move. They anticipate and prepare you for the task at hand before you even move!
The Diaphragm The diaphragm is a sheet of skeletal muscle that separates the heart, lungs and ribs (the thoracic cavity) from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm is convex in shape and is involved in breathing – it contracts and relaxes with each inhale and exhale. As you inhale the diaphragm concentrically contracts, as it lowers, pulling air in. Think of a cylinder filing up with air that expands as air moves in. As you exhale, the fibers of the diaphragm eccentrically contract (lengthen) as it rises back to its resting state, emptying the air from the cylinder. In a well functioning core, the pelvic floor will contract and lengthen along with the diaphragm during each inhalation and exhalation.
HEALTH • CORE • STRENGTH • LIFE
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