Core training for the athlete.

The deep-lying gluteus medius muscle is normally associated with movement,its key role in running is to act as a stabilising force, to slow the downward drive of the pelvis on the opposite side during stance phase. This pelvic restraint prevents excessive hip sway or roll of the type that is classically known as “Trendelenburg gait”. But even short of the tell-tale waddle of a Trendelenburg, there are various adaptations that runners make to compensate for weakness in gluteus medius. All these various compensations can herald potentially chronic injury for the runner, including shin splints and Achilles tendinitis. Relieving the Boredom of Core Stability Workouts: While therapists, trainers and coaches are signed up en masse to the mantra of core conditioning (both as rehab and a prehabilitative strategy), athletes usually find the training work involved so tedious that they simply don’t bother – or they skimp on this bit of their workout. Our resident conditioning specialist, Andy Cole, who is currently studying a Masters degree in exercise rehab, has developed a unique stage approach to screening, correction and functional integration. You will face new challenges each week, while ensuring you are covering the necessary ground in every workout. His system also allows for progression, a cardinal principle of any successful long-term exercise regime. In our experience it is quite common for an athlete to perform the same core routine over a long period and get very good at four or five movements or ‘holds’. But teach the same athlete a new core exercise and they will find it difficult, simply because it’s a new stimulus. The message is that progression and variety are key to optimising benefits of a strengthening program. To find out more, please email us or to book an appointment, visit us online. www.stroudsportsclinic.com