Read Thomas Furman's blog today - www.physicalstrategies.blogspot.com
He has a tremendous blog today on the importance of not waiting - Do what you are thinking of doing because you never know - No day is promised to anyone!

Also - I am reposting this from the dragondoor forum because I feel it has some good points and just needs to be repeated.
This is the response to a couple of different posts on questions regarding hollowing vs. bracing for core stability and pilates.
"Core stability" is a misunderstood and misapplied concept in most cases - read and give feedback if you wish.

Here we go - I am sure this will fuel a good bit of ire and discussion especially from pilates/hollowing fans so:

Drawing in is A Way to activate the TVA - it is not the way we use it during lifting.

While laying on your back or supported by bands etc... you can use damn near any stablilization strategy - it doesn't mean it is the right one.

When you stand on your own two feet or one foot and have to produce "core stablity" - you will/should brace.

Fluid movement is the result of the proper balance of tension and relaxation - if you look at a dancer on point and executing jumps etc they are displaying that balance. It does not mean they are not producing stablity - it is just in balance with their movement.

The pelvic floor is a fascinating area that deserves a great deal of thought - Yoga and Qigong include this in their respective practices but breathing through a pose and lifting a barbell are a bit different so the level of pelvic floor "activation" that is conscious during "heavier" activities and the level that naturally occurs would be very interesting and it is my feeling that squatting produces pelvic floor activation. And being a Yoga fan - I am working on my locks and breathing.

Bracing does not always mean "bracing for a punch" - that is a helpful visual but just as a punch is not always thrown at maximum effort - "bracing" happens at different "intensities". So don't think that bracing is always maxed out - it is appropriately applied.

The TVA is a retaining wall - not a mover - it contracts to form a wall against which IAP can be developed and maintained - it doesn't draw in - it retains - look at alignment of fibers and it's role as a postural/stablizing muscle and this becomes clear.

Look at the "core" as the drive shaft - it transfers power and energy - it is not meant to flex and produce - it transfers.

Pilates does have standing progressions - does any one use them? I have yet to see a class or instructor bring people to their feet.

The example in the post above - If the strategy the PT is using is addressing an asymmetry or restriction that the BBer brought to the "table" then it will work - however - the "rehab" should progress back to "goal" activities and then see how things go.

What the human body "should" do - is the body meant to handle 1000 pounds - maybe - maybe not - It's not meant to do a great number of the things we do to it - but we do. I am no fan of gear for bigger numbers but also respect those that get under the weight. The human body is capable of many things. But - life is to short to be weak - find a strength strategy that appeals to you (PL, OL, Bodyweight, etc...) and work it - also find a movement strategy (dance, MA etc...).

To sum up - Don't lay on your back and tell me you are working "core stablity" (unless the beginnings of rehab)- stand on your own two feet (or one foot) and handle an outside load - then tell me where your "core" is.

JMO - YMMV

Brett