Core Stability and Onstage Performance

You may be wondering what core stability could possibly do for you where onstage performance is concerned. Including a core stability workout into your weekly schedule can help relieve back/neck/shoulder pain, improve onstage endurance and serve as a resource that will yield noticeable results within just a few sessions. For a more detailed description of what core stability is, see article below.

Improved core stability (ICS) can help relieve back, neck and shoulder pain from playing an instrument by increasing the strength of the stabilizing muscles of your torso. ICS improves posture while playing an instrument. As an added bonus this has the effect of reducing your chances of injury from dynamic movement onstage and reduced soreness the day after a show. ICS improves your posture, in turn projecting a healthy stage presence.

ICS can improve onstage endurance. When put into functional terms you will be able to jump higher, stage dive, crowd surf, keep your balance or make a quick change in direction with less effort. ICS has the ability to make other moves stronger.

While exercising, the muscles of the core are often overlooked. When we think of strength, we generally think of what we can push or pull with our arms or legs. I believe that your true strength and potential come from being able to effectively stabilize your torso and then performing movement from that position. When you utilize this basically untapped resource you can understand how strength-gains come quickly with core stability training.

When training with Spotlight Fitness, you will have access to a core stability, full body workout that takes 20-30 minutes to complete. Performing this workout 2-3x per week while out on the road will improve core stability and onstage endurance. This workout is tailored to your specific goals and delivered to you via cd or dvd. You will be able to access your visual workout from a laptop computer and no access to the internet is necessary. With improved core stability you will be able to handle onstage performance while playing an instrument, jump higher, stage dive, crowd surf, keep your balance or make a quick change in direction with less effort. More importantly, you will feel better the next day because of stronger and more resilient core musculature.

Core Stability Basics

Core stability refers to the strength of the supporting muscles of your torso - basically your abdominals, back and hip muscles. Strengthening in this area is done by utilizing many muscles performing at the same time, in unison. To strengthen your core means giving you the capability of becoming stronger in all other areas of your body. This is due to the fact that your base is stronger.

It has been my experience that the muscles of this region gain strength quickly. My theory is that because this is a group of muscles we are not accustomed to utilizing, when we do, we are tapping into a resource we have not called upon before.

When your core is strong you stand taller, walk with purpose and project a healthier appearance. Most back pain is related to strength and flexibility issues so when a person makes an attempt to become stronger and more flexible in this area, the pain generally goes away. The first step is to create an awareness in yourself of your postural habits. Then you must work to correct them in your day to day life. This idea could also transcend into good posture while performing/playing your instrument.

The most exciting part of core stability training is the fact that it is different and fun to do. We utilize easy to transport pieces of equipment that can be brought onto tour buses or into hotel rooms. Medicine balls, stability balls and boards are just a few of the pieces you can use to get an intense workout without having to step into a gym. This work is not meant to replace strength training with free weights. If you would like to see your lifting become stronger, this is the way to do it.