1) Core exercises improve your balance and stability – When you perform core strengthening exercises you teach the muscles of your pelvis, lower back, hips, and abdomen to work together as one unit. This will lead to better balance and stability, whether in an athletic event or during your activities of daily life.

2) Strong core muscles make it easier to do most physical activities – Everything from swinging a baseball bat to picking up your shoe from the floor requires core strength. In fact most sports and other activities depend on core stability. Weak core muscles can lead to lower back instability and predispose you serious to injury.

 3) Core exercises can lead to washboard abs – Many people want the magazine cover “six pack abs” to impress others at the pool or beach. With a good aerobic exercise routine combined with a proper core strengthening routine you can achieve more definition in you abdominal region.

 4) You can perform core exercises from home – You don’t need to travel to a gym to strengthen your core muscles. You can perform crunches, glute bridges, side bridges and many other core exercises on the floor while watching your favorite T.V. show.

5) Core exercises can help you achieve your fitness goals – Many people will notice an increase in the amounts of weight they can lift or number of repetitions they can perform after they obtain a properly stabilized core. This is because a stabile core provides a strong foundation for the athlete to perform off of. It is a fact that without a stable foundation maximal performance cannot be achieved.

At the Winchester Institute, Dr. Haggerty helps his patients achieve proper core stability with research proven core exercises and routines. This helps the patient prevent injury and achieve optimal function and performance. The Institute is now equipped with a state of the art physical rehab facility staffed with a very knowledgeable and experienced personal trainer ready to help you meet your fitness goals. If you have any questions on how you can achieve optimum core stability please contact our clinic or email Dr. Haggerty at drhaggerty@thewinchesterinstitute.com.

This winter at the Winchester Institute many patients have been asking for advice on how to continue training outside with snow on the ground. The February issue of Runners World offers some great tips on this.

Runner’s World suggests the runner should first look for snow that has been packed down, this will provide better traction. The article goes on to state be leery of fresh powder, it can cover up icy patches that can be dangerous.

 Another suggestion deals with breathing cold air. Research has shown that temperature below zero will not harm a person’s lungs, but can cause slight irritation to the throat. To avoid this, the runner should breathe through a scarf or ski mask.

 Frozen toes can also be prevented by wearing thicker socks. Many running shoes are designed for maximum ventilation, exposing the runner’s feet to more cold. Thicker socks designed specifically for colder weather may help to prevent unnecessary discomfort and injury.

 However if the roads are covered with ice, the runner should stick to keeping the workout indoors. Use a treadmill, elliptical, or run in the pool. Perform these routines at 100 to 150% of your normal running time. This will help the runner to continue building cardiovascular strength when he is unable to train outdoors.

 These simple tips can help a runner bear the winter weather and continue to maintain great cardiovascular condition throughout the entire year. For more tips always check back on our blogs or email us at info@thewinchesterinstitute.com.