Appearances can be deceptive - if you see a stooped figure, walking slowly you will probably assume that it is an elderly person. The haunched posture will probably have given it away.
The reason that so many older people have contorted bodies like this is simple. Everyday life reading, sewing, typing etc takes its toll. You naturally don't extend your neck to its full potential and the muscles in your neck shorten. As times goes on, calcium salts in the joints add to the process of immobilization. Once this takes place, nothing can be done to prevent it.
You can however, in earlier life take action and prevent it. Regular exercises which stretch the muscles and improve flexibility but paying particular attention to the core muscles. This kind of exercise is important for a number of reasons which if ignored may lead to future health problems.
What Are Core Muscles?
Core muscles relate to the muscles found at the abdominals, lower back, obliques and the glutes. These are the four areas of the body which usually form the frame of the posture of a person. Depending on the condition of these core muscles, you could have good posture.
The core muscles are in fact the central part for all the strength, which is needed to carry out various physical activities. Basically if a person's core muscle is powerful, the body will maintain its balance and will steady the systems everytime they are exercising and moving around.
Strengthening Core Muscles
The core muscles responsibility is to contribute enough power to the body so that the person is able to deal with the challenges of each exercise that the person decides to carry out.
It is therefore reasonably important to add strength to the core muscles before other muscles in the body. Posture problems occur due to there being a weakened core muscle according to research.
Good posture is not the only positive of having a strong core muscle - it can also ensure the back is able to cope with the whole of the day ahead.
This is because muscles which are included in the group of core muscles are the ones that initiate the proper stabilization of the whole upper and lower body.
For your information, it is important to understand why it is important strengthen the core muscles and below is a list of some of the benefits:
1. Improved posture and prevention of lower back pain with regard to the muscular core will be improved.
Ensure that you include stretching exercises in your program, with a focus on the muscles of the upper and front of the torso, including the abdominal and trunk muscles. This type of exercise tends to strengthen the muscles of the back which extend to the spine.
2. It will help tone the muscles, thereby, avoiding further back injury
A good program to avoid serious lower back injuries is by exercising your core muscles which will add strength and toning to your lower back muscles and buttocks. Just as important is stretching the muscles on the front of the thighs as well as the hip flexors.
3. Improves physical performance
What you must remember is that relief of stiffness and general flexibility can be achieved by working your core muscle correctly. Slow, still stretching is as effective. Once you are more flexible you will be able to fly through your exercise program and be pounds lighter before you know it!
4. They do not cause sore aching muscles
Slow, static stretches are the best form of exercise for the muscles and connective tissues in your body. Because it involves slow stretches only, it will not cause any soreness, as do the bouncing exercises that rely on jerky muscle contraction.
5. Lengthen muscles and avoid unbalanced footing as you get old
Core muscle exercises lengthen the muscles that have contracted as a result of pain. It also prevents pain from vigorous exercise if they are included at the end of each workout.
A recommended timetable for working out your core muscles is at least twice a week. It is only a small part of your exercise routine and should take between 10-20 minutes only.
In order to maintain excellent posture of the body you must work on your core muscles. It will also eradicate many back pain problems.
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"About The Author" below
About The Author
Barry Sheppard writes, as a hobby, for http://www.traintraveller.com
an online site informing readers how to travel throughout the world by train.
He has written and had published 15 books, and 100's of articles on a wide range of
subjects.He runs a 121 writing course by phone and email . You can get the details of this
course from Barry at Email:
He has also started writing and adding articles for content pages from
Working Your Core Muscle
