Gettin' Fit & Healthy with Rickie

  More than core...          When many people hear the word 'core' related to exercise they just think about abdominals, some may consider the back. The core is so much more and we need to do more than crunches, sit ups and planks.     The core consists of the abdominals, back, hips, pelvis all the muscles that work together to provide stability, support and strength for the entire body.  A strong core provides good posture, helps prevent injuries, improves balance and overall strength.  It provides strength for every day movements and athletic performance.     Knowing that the core area consists of all the muscles that support our entire body this guides us in how we exercise the core.  The best way to work the core is with exercises that target all of the muscles that support the spine and help us to walk and move through life.  These exercises will include compound and functional movements along with stability work...

  Proper posture in the Modern Era     Do any of you remember the times when Mom or Grandma would say 'stand up straight or stop slouching.' Well that was good advice whether we liked hearing it or not.   I am sure you have all seen this posture maybe even in some individuals without a device in their hand. Basically they have adopted this posture into their everyday activities and are most likely experiencing aches and pains throughout.  This posture 'Text or Tech Neck' affects the neck, upper back, shoulders and chest.  Which can than cascade down into the lower back, pelvis and hips.  With the upper back and shoulders rounded and excessively stretched this causes the chest muscles to shorten and tighten, which in turn leads to this hunched posture all the time.  Additionally the lower back becomes overstretched as the pelvis is tucked under which leads to collapsed & weakened abdominal muscles that are unable to support the spine. ...