Hhmm, Core Training, Really?

What to do when you are sitting on a plane with 4 hours to kill (although worth the wait to see my childhood girl friends)? Go for the wifi….. Ahhh the studious mind goes down the rabbit hole.

So that I keep your interest, I ended up researching studies regarding the correlation of “core training” and its claims to enhance/improve athletic performance and assist in injury prevention.

Those of you that know me well have heard me go on about my frustrations with the false claims and b.s. that come out of the fitness industry. I see it and hear it every day, having been a fitness manager for 11 years, I think I’ve heard enough.

Recently having a conversation with a friend about what to do with my career (does that ever stop?) which was actually a recap of a conversation with my life partner and fellow industry-mate, a conversation he and I have had several times. Something about taking the easy way out and supporting some fad product or training methodology, making a series of videos about how we are experts on it….. and making some “real” money. Since neither of us have the low moral standard required for such unethical behavior (because we know better), my conversation with my friend continued……. He thinks we should reconsider!! After my readings today, I am convinced that staying the course, we will prevail……eventually.

Hats off to the many colleagues who share these views and have also stayed the course, showing true dedicated to bringing the very best and most humble information to our clients.

Now for the juicy stuff:

A recent study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning (Jan 2011 v25:1) revealed that little correlation exists between sports performance, core stability, and functional movement ….. Everybody ok? The study continues to state that current assessments can not confirm the importance of core stability in functional movement.

Another study (Cissik, John M MBA, MS, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D)suggests that Research is inconclusive on the subject and that there is conflicting research as to whether core training actually helps in injury prevention. Some research suggests that exercise may be more effective in the treatment of injuries, although more research is certainly required.

Then there was this: “The Influence of Strength, Flexibility, and Simultaneous Training on Flexibility and Strength Gains”
(Roberto Simão, Adrian Lemos, Belmiro Salles, Thalita Leite, Elida Oliveira, Matthew Rhea and Victor Machado Reis) which concluded: Strength training may contribute to the development and maintenance of flexibility even without the inclusion of additional stretching. It goes on to say that both can be combined for optimal flexibility.

All this means is that we really don’t know crap! Most of us are trying our best to make educated guesses. Many of us do our homework and stay on top of science and the latest research and education. It does sadden me that the ploy to make money off of helpless consumers by selling them the next best workout contraption slows the penetration of factual data to both the consumer and the professional.

I leave you with this: Core training, fad or not?