If you’ve ever been told you have a “weak core,” you probably started doing planks, sit-ups, and maybe threw in some crunches for good measure.
But what if the issue isn’t that your core muscles are weak… it’s that they’re just not working together the way they should?
At Off The Block Performance Physical Therapy, we talk to people every week who are dealing with nagging back pain, tight hips, poor posture, or a lingering injury—and most of them are surprised to learn it’s often tied back to poor core function.
Let’s clear up a few things.
When people think of the “core,” they usually picture six-pack abs. But the real core includes:
- Your deep abdominal muscles
- The muscles around your spine
- Your diaphragm
- Your pelvic floor
- Your glutes
All of these need to work together to support your body, stabilize your spine, and help you move efficiently. If one part isn’t showing up, the rest have to compensate—and that’s when problems start.
- You feel your lower back doing the work in core exercises
- You constantly feel “tight” in your hips or back
- You have trouble balancing or controlling movement under load
- You’re leaking urine during lifting, jumping, or running
- You’ve got great strength—but keep getting the same injuries
It’s not always about doing more core work—it’s about doing the right kind of work with the right muscles firing.
At Off The Block PT, we go beyond just giving you a bunch of generic core exercises. We assess your breathing, posture, movement, and muscle engagement to understand what your body is really doing during activity.
We might work on things like:
- Proper breathing and bracing techniques
- Coordination between your diaphragm and pelvic floor
- Movement patterns under load (like squats, presses, or running)
- Addressing muscle imbalances that are throwing off your stability
If your core isn’t functioning well, your performance will suffer—and so will your ability to stay pain-free. Whether you’re lifting, running, carrying a car seat, or chasing your kids around, your core needs to show up and do its job.
And we’re here to help make sure it does.
Think your core might be holding you back? Let’s take a look.
We work with active individuals, athletes, and everyday movers at our clinics in Easley and Central, SC. We’ll help you understand what’s going on and build a personalized plan to get you feeling and performing your best.
📞 Call or text (864) 633-9272 to schedule your visit. No referral needed.