Total Gym for Corrective Exercise
It is safe to say most people are familiar with the term exercise, but Corrective Exercise is a very important branch that is often unheard of or overlooked by many. Corrective Exercise is just what the name implies, exercise that is prescribed to correct, which includes correction geared towards postural or muscular imbalances, injury prevention, or post rehabilitation from an injury. “The focus is on movements designed to create balance, stability, and/or mobility in areas that are not functioning properly.” (1)
While this type of training may not be the most fun because the exercises are generally not very difficult or high in intensity, it is in fact an important part of training because it “can help you reach your fitness objectives faster while also eliminating pain.” (2) Often times before many people should begin with corrective exercises when first starting an exercise program to properly get the body set up to safely perform more difficult workouts or better perform at sport events. Many times people benefit from Corrective Exercise with daily routines at both home and work.
An exercise routine does not have to be limited strictly to corrective exercises; you can incorporate some into your workout whether it is in the warm-up, cool down or the actual workout itself. That way it allows for maintaining postural and balanced strength and still gives you the chance to add in your favorite exercises and do the exercises directed towards your fitness goals.
When first starting corrective exercises on your own there is a specific order that should be followed to get the body prepared for progression. “All corrective exercise strategies or programs should begin with self-massage or self-myofascial release techniques. As the body begins to accept these new movements, you can progress to strengthening exercises that challenge the body under load/weight and through various planes of motion.” (2) Self myofascial release can be done with a foam roller, tennis ball, or anything with a firm, round surface, and are great ways to warm up the muscles before starting your workout and using in your cool down to help break up the knots in the muscle tissue that build up during your workout. Specific stretches prescribed to your own body’s needs should also be done prior to any workout. This ensures that the tight muscles don’t get tighter and shorter and thus the longer and weaker muscles have a chance to gain strength. This then leads the body getting back into muscular balance and thus a better quality of life and play.
1 http://www.core360wellness.com/what-is-corrective-exercise/
2 http://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/2328/integrating-corrective-exercise-into-your-personal/