We’re told all the time how important a strong core is. Especially for people with Parkinson’s a strong core can mean more stability, less pain, and better posture.
Contrary to popular belief, however, you’re not going to get the benefits of a strong core through doing crunches.
When we look at which muscles make up the “core” of our body, it’s easy to understand why using gym machines or doing crunches can actually inhibit our functional core, creating poor posture and pain.
I explain in depth why crunches are so bad for people with Parkinson’s, and actually cause more harm than good in the video below:
Crunches produce bad posture.
Crunches reinforce bad habits that result in poor posture. I’ve worked with numerous clients who were unconsciously “tucking their butt under” and “holding in their abs” as a result of too much bad ab training.
Tucked bottoms result in flattened spinal curves, which usually bring the shoulders slumped downward, the head forward, and starts to slowly create the stooped posture nobody wants.
Crunches disrupt the natural curves of the spine. I can always tell when someone does too many crunches immediately by their posture alone.The end result to “ab strengthening” is really STRONG bad posture.
Crunches focus on surface muscles instead of deep core muscles.
Crunches only work your surface abdominal muscles. These are not the muscles for true core strength.
The result of crunches is strained and/or injured discs in your back. Over-training these anterior surface muscles makes your back muscles weak and creates a front dominate posture, which Parkinson’s already creates.
If you want real core strength that supports the body in motion, fosters good posture, and leads to living pain-free, you must go deeper into your core and focus on all of the muscle groups that make up the core.
Stay tuned for upcoming posts on core exercises that will help you activate and strengthen your core.