Carl John Reader

Hey guys Yes this is a passion of mine and a profession. I help patients recover from spinal fusions and other joint operations and get back on to the golf course. What I am suggesting that there are other ways to get the same results as a plank that are less strenuous on the body. Doing some sort of exercise like the plank is better than doing nothing. Randell asked what I do and only glad to share. I have been doing the functional plank and yes squats with correct technique The functional plank is just flipping the plank upright! I am putting a video together this weekend on you tube and will share the link with you all So many people are planking and asking about the plank. Appreciate all your comments and feedback. I am always keen to learn and by no means have all the answers! Here are a few concerns I have about the plank 1. It is not functional, not a position you are hardly ever in. 2. Strenuous on the major joints, knee, shoulder, neck and back even in good form. 3. There is no sequence or muscle pattern just every single muscle in your body is firing to maintain this horizontal brace position! 4. If you have poor posture trying to get into what's called neutral spine actually overworks the muscles in your spine to try achiev this and now you get into this horizontal brace position. Your body braces for impact not for exercise!

Hey MVMac great video I completely agree we are designed to be in a standing position so makes sense that the most functional core exercises should be in a standing position?

Hi Dave Thank you for your reply and agree completely that anything is better than nothing. However if you have back pain or any other joint pain being specific Is key to avoiding injury or operations. All the best!

The key thing when it comes to core exercises is to discover what the true function of the core muscles are. Media and the fitness industry have emphasized this whole 6 pack obsession however science for a while has shown just how essential a strong core is for posture and lower back pain. Again the key is not what are the best core exercises but what are right ways to train your core muscles. This requires a mind shift from having a strong core to having a functional core. Whats the difference? Just because you can do 1000 sit ups and hold the plank for an hour does not mean you have an functioning core because when you address the golf ball or have to do any other activities that require your core to function you may be weak! A functioning core requires all the major core muscles to work in a sequence depending on the exercise. With the plank, there is no movement, every single muscle in your body is working so no sequences, not a natural movement or position for the body,may strain the neck and shoulders even if form is correct Next time you do a plank pay attention to how the body is feeling and not just your 6 pack I hope this so makes sense

Hi Thank you for your replies The plank as I mentioned is a great exercise to challenge the core but what we are after are functional core exercises that the body was designed to do! When in life are you ever performing a plank move except in gym doing planks! You can achieve the same results you get from the plank with a less strenuous exercise and that exercise is discovering how to squat correctly. The squat done correctly not like in gym is the no 1 exercise to functionally train your core and has many other positives affects on your overall health, posture and golf swing!

While it is essential to strengthen your core muscles it is even more important to strengthen your core muscles the correct way. There are core exercises that cause the body to become locked or restricted and there are exercises that actually release the body. So you may be getting a stronger core but your body is tightening up in your other joints like your back, shoulder and hips. Two core exercises that have a locking up affect on the body are the plank and sit ups. Although they are excellent at targeting the abdominals and work them well, these are not functional. You may not experience back pain doing them however it is the underlying tightnes that may result from doing them. The first key truth about core exercises is that they should be done standing up and not on your back, side and stomach. Many "core exercises" are done in these positions and even in awkward positions which may lock up your body and cause pain. Please let let me know if you have any questions about golf specific core exercises.

Its important to realise exercise is a stress to the human body. While it is important to strengthen your core muscles, it is even more important to do the right core exercises. You need to change your mind set from what are the best core exercises to what are the right core exercises for me. Unfortunately many of the core exercises prescribed may be the reason we are suffering from back pain. It is vital to functionally train your core muscles. Having a functional core is better than a strong core. Planks, sit ups, curl ups, leg raises are not functional and may aggravate your lower back! The secret to training your core functionally is discovering how to bend and squat correctly. Find a professional in your area who can help you with this!

I would leave out the crunches and the planks. Neither are functional! When are ever doing a plank in real life. Proper squatting with the correct technique is the key to good core strength.

I help golfers get back into shape after having had an operation on their back, knees or hips. My job is to help golfers exercise correctly!

Hi Guys I believe stretching is very important however doing the right stretches is even more key! Here are a few rules I use to help with flexibility. 1) Never feel pain or discomfort in my back 2) Understand the difference between a muscle and nerve stretching. Very often the pain of stretching is nerve related ...sharp burning feeling. Be careful not to confuse the two! 3) Stretching is only a temporary solution to an underlying problem or weakness. Its important to address what is making you tight! I hope this helps and look forward to the feedback!