In this episode Dr. Kirren explores the importance of engaging our core and brings in guest Kerry D'arcy-Howard an experienced Pilates teacher, to offer her unique take on the subject. Kerry was a former events and marketing professional turned Pilates teacher. Kerry's own experience with severe lower back pain led her to discover the transformative power of Pilates. After practicing for years, she decided to become a Pilates instructor and started Happy Body Pilates. Tune in to learn this unique but simple and accessible way to engage your core. You can access Kerry's Pilates classes online and in person at www.happybodypilates.co.uk.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Engaging the "powerhouse" or core involves activating multiple muscles, including the abdominals, pelvic floor, back muscles, diaphragm, glutes, and inner thighs.
2. Rather than consciously engaging the core or powerhouse, it is more effective to focus on proper body alignment and form during movements.
3. Practicing body awareness and allowing the nervous system to learn and adapt to movements is key to engaging the powerhouse effectively.
4. Engaging the powerhouse can be applied to daily activities such as sitting at a desk or lifting heavy objects, promoting better posture and reducing the risk of injury.
5. Proper form and alignment, along with engaging the powerhouse, can have a positive impact on individuals with motor impairments, such as those with cerebral palsy, as well as improving self-esteem and mood in healthy individuals.

BEST MOMENTS
"I often hear people say I need to strengthen my core and what they're generally saying is that they need to strengthen their abdominals, but you can't actually strengthen your abdominals or any muscle for that matter in isolation."
"So in Pilates we refer to the powerhouse and that encompasses four layers of abdominal muscles, the pelvic floor, back muscles, the diaphragm, glutes, and inner thighs."
"You're basically overriding the nervous system's job by [engaging the core] and never giving your body a chance to learn, potentially creating even deeper issues."
"So my nervous system, my clever nervous system, is going to kick in and send all the right connections through my body on a subconscious, spontaneous, and sub-threshold level to ensure that when I do bend my knees to pick her up, it happens naturally and somewhat easily."
"It's not about being in a state of constant muscle strain. We can see how interrelated it is. It's no wonder that not implementing this into our bodies and minds can lead to the problems we spoke about in episode 10." 

HOST BIO
With a diverse background that encompasses rigorous training in both the UK and China for her integrative medical degree, two decades of clinical practice in private and public healthcare settings, and a role as an esteemed Acupuncture lecturer for both undergraduates and professionals, Dr. Kirren's knowledge is truly comprehensive. Her passion for ongoing research in medical education has shed light on critical issues in the field, including competent practice, educational standards, regulation, and public health literacy.
Driven by a commitment to better healthcare outcomes, she has championed her clients' rights, successfully supporting one in identifying clinical negligence under another healthcare practitioner and securing the path to a healthier future, sparing her client from going blind and obtaining rightful compensation. With her exceptional insight and dedication to promoting medical excellence, Dr. Kirren offers invaluable perspectives on her podcast, empowering listeners to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.