Core engagement

General Discussion
1

Hi … can anyone tell me how to engage my core”?

I am 75 and using zwift to fight my way back to some sort of fitness after a hip replacement.

I have cycled, in amateur competitions and for leisure/ commuting all my life, but I have never heard the term before.

Using the instructed sessions I am frequently told to do things with “ my core,” such as relax, engage pull my belly button in towards my spine??

Reading about the subject it says that your core will automatically stablize when cycling and it’s counter productive to attempt any extra tension .

No problem in embracing new ideas, but can anyone enlighten me further? Thanks all

2

Ignore it. Just ride however your body allows and for you to enjoy it.

At your mature age it’ll not make any real difference and just doing what you can when you can will be useful.

If I’m still riding at 75 I’ll be happy.

I’m cycling after a full pelvic reconstruction and you’ll be suprised how much progress you can make with a bit of effort.

For me the climb portals have been instrumental in my recovery.

1 Like
3

Hi Thanks for the comment.. but I still wanna know what it means, you say at my age it won’t make any difference.. fair enough, but what won’t ? Lol

4

For me it means tensing up my stomach and lower back muscles, just like you would doing “the plank” core strengthening exercise.

5

If you are going to start trying to engage your core whilst riding it’ll mean trying to adapt your style.

You need to focus more on a riding position that doesn’t cause you discomfort to your hip.

It’s far more important that your build up strength around your hip joint rather than anywhere else. By strengthening your quads etc.. it’ll take the strain away from your hip and give you more stability.

6

Hi and thank you … but I still want to know what engaging your core actually means when its unconsciously already helping to stablize your position.. you’re sitting down, so how does clenching your abs help?.. you don’t need your core to pedal.

My hip is doing great, with no issues so far..

7

Try Google.