Put chronic back pain in rear-view with ‘TTC’
Yoga instructor develops ‘totally tubular core,’ a pose that helps awaken muscles
We all know that a strong core is the antidote to chronic back pain, but you don’t need to hit the gym to awaken the muscles that surround and support your spine.
The muscles of the so-called core are much more than just the superficial six-pack muscles featured on the cover of health and fashion magazines. They wrap 360 degrees around your midsection like criss-crossing layers of packing tape and include the muscles of your back, deepest postural muscles and breathing muscles. When they function well, the team of muscles at your geographic centre acts a lot like a muscular corset.
This is a yoga tune-up exercise called the tubular core that you can do anywhere, even on public transit. We’re calling it the totally tubular core in honour of the TTC. Totally tubular core pose Sit or stand with good posture. Inhale deeply to swell the belly and chest. Retain the breath inside. You’ll feel full and puffy like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in Ghostbusters.
Against the resistance of the held breath, engage and pack in your core muscles to hug your spine from every possible angle. It’ll feel like a blood pressure cuff tightening around your torso.
Without releasing the awareness or muscular engagement you just created, exhale and continue to breathe normally. Find the balance between full, satisfying breaths and the cylindrical cushioning and support offered to your spine by the totally tubular core.
Use your totally tubular core in yoga class, while working out and when mowing the lawn. Use it on the subway, the metro and on the tube. How tubular is that?