Should you "engage the core," "pull the belly in," grip the core," "pull the belly to the spine," "knit the ribs in?" We here these cues thrown about in the fitness world, but perhaps, those cues aren't doing us as much good as we once thought. Physical therapist, Finola, uses her 10 years of clinical experience to debunk and reveal the truths around the core, and how to properly utilize the core and pressure system to support demand at hand. Futhermore, she addresses core related issues across different populations, the lack of research surrounding the core and how beneficial clinical experience can be, the importance of pelvic floor assessments, and how to train the brain-core connection appropriately. 

0:32 - Does Finola preach “engage your core”

4:00 - Research on the core & individualization

8:06 - Finola & what she does

12:10 - The importance of clinical experience

14:12 - Connecting dots across populations

15:51 - Should we pull the belly in?

19:20 - How to activate the core properly

23:00 - Core engagement is activity dependent

24:47 - What might sucking the belly in be causing?

27:20 - Core engagement with load

31:32 - The right way to train the brain-core connection

35:40 - Finola’s biggest takeaway about the core

40:39 - Why pelvic floor assessments are important

43:44 - Finola’s biggest message

47:14 - Where can you find more about Finola

Learn More About Finola!

Working in London as a physiotherapist for 10 years, Finola has developed a unique and holistic physiotherapy practice using techniques such as psychological therapies and exercise therapy to ensure a long term recovery for her patients. She has experience working in both private practices and sports including rugby and dance. Her interest in sports physiotherapy led to her volunteering as a physiotherapist for teams at the London Paralympics in 2012. Finola’s specialist interests includes pain management, sports injuries and women’s health physiotherapy. Finola is also the co-owner of Strength Through Yoga, which specialises in online fitness guides with yoga expert Hannah Barrett.

Check out everything Finola is up to: https://linktr.ee/finolaburrell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finolaphysio/

Strength through Yoga: https://www.strengththroughyoga.com/

Book an online physio session with Finola, here

Don't forget! As a listener of the core series on the Love @ First Science Podcast, you get 35% off my core workshop! Head on over to my website and use code 'relax'

https://www.celestpereira.com/online-workshop

My Socials:

Instagram - http://instagram.com/celestpereirayoga

Website - https://www.celestpereira.com/