
A Foundational Principle to Understand
We’ll often talk to patients who believe they should always keep their tummy tight. And unfortunately, this belief can lead individuals to think that the harder we tighten our abs, the better for our backs and posture. But unfortunately, the opposite is true, and problems can develop over time.
Remember to engage your core as much as needed for the task at hand. A good mantra to remember is this: “Not too tight, not too loose, just right.”
The amount you brace your spine should be proportional to your physical demand. A simple example would be picking up a tissue box from the floor should require a different level of core engagement than picking up a 50-pound weight!