Alright, a few years ago I saw a guy in the gym doing dumbbell side bends. He was the first guy I had seen doing them in a long time. Around that time I injured my back in a meet. Luckily I was able to heal fast, but it made me think.
I also study taichi. Practioners believe the center of the body to be at a point just below the navel, tantien. We believe the center of the body indeed all strength to be here.
So when I began healing I developed a rehab program. It helped not only the back, but the training hit the core of the body. I began a search for exercises to hit the trunk of the body, and took my mind back to the 1960’s when I started in the sport. Something cool happened.
I got stronger and my squat and deadlift are getting better again. You cannot overtrain the core, like calves, forearms, and abs. The core heals quickly. When getting ready for a meet I hit the gym 5 to 6 times per week. I do not lift each time, 2 or 3 of these workouts are cardio and trunk work.
Also I hit the trunk on squat and deadlift days. There are more exercises for the trunk of the body, than excuses you can give your wife for not putting wash in the hamper.
The Westside guys practice it, and it does you a lot of good. Hey even in everyday life, it is great.
I always remember a bodybuilder I knew many many moons ago. He was huge, arms, chest, quads. However when he went to the old WWF to try out, they rejected him. His lower back was deemed dangerously weak. He also had groin problems.
Look I am getting stronger even at 55 so no excuses maggots.
Getting the trunk in shape will help powerlifters, Olympic lifters, bodybuilders, strongmen, all athletes. I remember 2 season ago when several baseball players were out for a long time with pulled and strained obliques. Hello mental giants, obliques are a part of the trunk.
So guys and gals, they always talk about a strong foundation. The foundation starts with a good core.
So stay strong, and remember growing old is not for sissies.