If you have every been to one of my classes you are probably terribly sick of me banging on about core strength, core strength and core strength! This week I have decided to write a short blog about.......core strength, to explain why.

In a nut shell our bodies muscles are made up of two types of fibres - fast twitch and slow twitch. Fast twitch muscle fibres are designed for short bursts of speed and strength, whereas slow twitch, as the name eludes to are designed to be activated for a long durations of time with less intensity.

Core strength muscles are located deep within our core and below our abdominal muscles and are made up of the following, transverse abdominis, multifidus, internal obliques, pelvic floor and diaphragm. They are designed to be activated most of the day and some of their main roles are to help support your back, posture and overall body strength.

QUESTION: HOW MANY PEOPLE DO YOU KNOW WHO HAVE A BAD BACK, INCLUDING YOURSELF?

A TYPICAL ANSWER: TOO MANY!

It is therefore absolutely vital that we take care of our core muscles for the greater good of our backs, in particular. A bad back is not good for your physical health, but also not good for your mental health.

So, how can you work on your core muscles??? Well for starters, you can go to an Active Farmers class!!! If this isn't available to you then I would recommend attending a yoga or pilates class, plus follow this link for some basic core strength exercises. The aim is to be able to activate your core muscles and breath normally at the same time - then you have nailed it!

Remember, think CORE all the time, everyday and then it will become second nature and you will hopefully maintain a strong and healthy back!

Over and out.

Ginny Stevens

GM Active Farmers