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The Core of it All

This week, I’m going to talk about something close to my heart: muscle imbalances. 


(Ha, didn't expect that one, did you? Just trust me; it'll all come together in the end.)


In case you’re curious about this newfound passion of mine, let’s just say it’s come about by three things - I got running shoes this week, tweaked my lower back, and am helping a friend learn about weightlifting (and not getting hurt, like me!). 


Okay, so starting with the one that is probably most alarming… 


My back is not seriously hurt. I was trying new exercises at the gym and overdid it a bit; no harm, no foul. I’m focusing on resting, recovering, and reflecting. 


Which is why I’ve been learning about muscle imbalances and other bodily issues (get ready for some fascinating facts).


Did you know that having a weak core (abdominal muscles) can cause lower back pain?


It’s because your lower back will overcompensate for the lack of core strength, and of course, this overcompensation can lead to injury (trust me). 


Or, how about this one: weak glutes (butt muscles) can also cause back pain.


When we don’t have strong glutes (because we’re sitting all day, for instance), our brain will use nearby muscles to maintain our posture and walking mechanics. And what’s nearby? Our lower back. 


Plus, this glute weakness can mess with our walking, leading to knee pain and other joint complications. 


You know what else can mess with our gait? Running incorrectly!


Now, I’m not going to bog you down with a long explanation, but simply put, there's a debate in the running world about how your feet should land (heel first, like walking, or more on the front of your foot).


Originally, I was very anti-heel, until I talked to the running pro when I was getting my new sneakers.


Basically, he said that you shouldn’t force your feet to land a certain way because that can lead to muscle imbalances and strains (cue my sore knees, ankles, and arches). Instead, just land where you naturally do. 


After further research, I've learned that, really, any way your foot lands can lead to injury. Toe first can hurt shins and ankles. Midfoot can do the same. Heel first can hurt knees and hips.


There's risk to anything, so the simplest solution is to run the way your body naturally does!


So simple, isn’t it? Just run. 


Now, in light of my own experiences, and under the lens of teaching my friend about fitness, these factoids have been joining together in my mind, like puzzle pieces finally beginning to click into place. 


We’re talking about all these separate muscle facts because they highlight the importance of remaining in God’s design. 


Neglecting to care for your body, God’s temple? 


Weak core. Weak glutes. Back pain. Knee pain. Posture issues. Joint discomfort.


Trying to manipulate the natural mechanics of your body? 


 Knee inflammation. Sprained ankles. Sore arches. Injury.


Friends, I know I am being blunt and oversimplifying things with those statements, but here’s the big idea:


God needs to be our base. 


When our foundation (or our core, if we’re continuing with the muscle theme) is not strong in the Lord… everything else will be out of whack. 


Because yeah, muscle imbalances aren’t fun. But what about prioritizing money over the Messiah? 


Joint pain isn’t a joy. But isn’t trying to fill the pain in your soul with substances, sex, or Satan’s lies worse? 


Rehabbing injuries is important. But dying to sin and being made alive in Christ? A million times more. 


You see what I’m saying here? 


God can’t just be a god. If we want to live in freedom, walk in the abundant life He designed for us, then He has to be the God, Lord, Master over all. 


So, I’ll end this week’s writing with something for you to ponder:


Where are your imbalances? Where are you experiencing pain? 


Give them to God. Make Him your firm foundation. Friend, you won't regret it.




















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