The link between core strength and good mental health.
A strong core is essential for good health, fitness and mental wellbeing. It gives our clients the confidence and ability to complete the everyday life activities many of us take for granted.
With regular exercise of the core muscles comes improved posture, strength and balance. A strong core will stabilise the spine and, through improved posture, reduce the risk of back pain and injury. Strength and balance in the core enable a client to sit up in bed, or sit in a chair unsupported when they were unable to do so before. They could even have a bath with nothing restricting their ability to wash themselves properly. As core strength builds, balance and stability improve, and the client becomes more capable of achieving their aspirations, such as standing to cook dinner or taking a short walk.
The benefits of routine core exercise extend beyond posture, strength and balance. Core workouts frequently involve breathing exercise, resulting in increased lung capacity and improved respiratory control. Making breathing easier and reducing the risk of chest infection.
A balance ball is an affordable and effective tool to use when working on the core. When seated the base is unstable and this prompts the client to switch on their core muscles to rectify balance when they feel movement and loss of stability. Therapists can adapt the exercises depending on the ability of the client and make them as challenging as is required. Sitting behind the client they can help to stabilise the trunk if needed. Or for a harder workout the ball can be moved in different directions demanding a stronger reaction from the muscles.
It’s clear that strong core muscles are essential for health, fitness and everyday living. But, equally as important is the impact on mental health. When the client becomes, fitter, stronger, healthier and more able to complete everyday activities independently, the positive impact on their confidence and mental wellbeing becomes an obvious conclusion.
And this is the link between core strength and good mental health!