The Core Canister: Your Body's Powerhouse and Protector

Your core canister supports and protects your body's powerhouse, but imbalances can lead to leaks, discomfort, and decreased stability.

Let's dive deeper into a topic that might sound a bit technical but is incredibly important for our everyday lives: the core canister. Picture it like a sturdy can or container, holding the secrets to your strength and stability.

Now, why do we call it a "canister"? Well, just like a can, it's got a top (hello, diaphragm!), a bottom (hey there, pelvic floor!), and sides that wrap around to create a strong, supportive structure (shoutout to all the core and back muscles!). This visual helps us understand how everything works together to keep us balanced, supported, and ready to take on the world.

Let's break it down even further. Imagine if one part of your canister is overly stretched, like a bulge in the can. This could happen if your pelvic floor muscles are weakened from pregnancy or childbirth. With that bulge, what happens to the rest of the pressure in the can? If the bottom (pelvic floor) is bulging down, so are the contents inside—and in the human body, it leaks out, causing issues like incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse.

On the flip side, if one part of your canister is overly tightened, creating a dip in the can, it can throw off the balance of pressure. This might happen if your deep core muscles are excessively tense, perhaps from constantly sucking in your stomach or holding tension in your pelvic floor. Imagine your sucking in and creating a dent in the front of the can: this means that the pressure in the can becomes uneven, and either pushes up or down, leading to issues like back pain or pelvic floor dysfunction. (You can see how when I press into the ballon below, the bottom and top bulge a little extra because of the change in pressure)

So, why does this matter for us active moms? Well, whether we're lifting weights at the gym, running after our little ones, or simply standing in line at the grocery store, having a stable and resilient core is key to staying injury-free and feeling our best.

That's why it's essential to give our core canisters the attention they deserve. Start by practicing good posture throughout the day, engaging those deep core muscles, and incorporating exercises that target all aspects of the canister—top, bottom, and sides. And let's not forget about the importance of breathing! Deep, diaphragmatic breaths help activate our core muscles and maintain proper pressure within the canister.

It's also important to note that posture is NOT just how you stand. It is also how you maintain the canister alignment while moving, sitting, standing, and in all ways. Can it adapt and fluctuate with you?

If you're struggling with issues like leaks during workouts or nagging back pain, don't hesitate to reach out to a pelvic floor specialist or a certified trainer who understands the intricacies of the core canister. Together, we can strengthen our cores, stand tall, and conquer whatever challenges come our way.

You've got this, mama! Let's unleash the power of our core canisters and show the world what we're made of. 💪🌟

Live Confidently,

Jen