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Interview with Jim Smith, CSCS- Author of Combat Core |
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By: Stand Up Paddle Surfing Magazine
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Friday, 09 May 2008 |
We recently had a chance to sit down with Jim Smith, CSCS of the Diesel Crew and the author of Combat Core . We were able to get the low down on his new product and talk to him about what "real" core strength is all about.
Question:
Jim, First off, thanks for the interview. What do you think is the
biggest mistake most trainers make when trying to develop core strength?
[JS] Most trainers focus on what I have dubbed building strength of movement patterns.
What they fail to realize is that this is only one piece of the total
puzzle. Building strength in the gym with movements like leg lifts,
sit-ups, reverse sit-ups and so on...is a compliment to a bigger, more
comprehensive core strength program. There are other criteria that make up the rest of the pyramid that I have established in Combat Core.
Question: What, in your opinion, is the biggest myth concerning abdominal programs?
[JS] For trainers, I would point to my previous response. For
the general public and even athletes, I would say that they believe
that "more is better." They believe, if they do 1000 crunches each
workout, they will get ripped abs. Of course, the real answer is that
being able to display a sick set of abs is the direct result of low
body fat levels. If you want abs, you better get the fat off that is
covering them.
Question: How does core strength affect back pain and posture?
[JS] Your abdominals and back musculature work together to
stabilize and protect the spine, hips and pelvis. If any of these
muscle groups (and surrounding structures) are weak, posture is
affected and sometimes the muscles (groups) become inhibited which
causes the secondary movers to become overactive or on-tension. This
will inevitably lead to injury and poor performance. Building torso
strength by incorporating compound exercises that activate many muscle
groups at the same time, teaches the lifter or athlete to move their
body as a single, coordinated unit. Isolated exercises tend to lead to
imbalances if used too much.
Question: How has your abdominal training strategies changed over the years?
[JS] I used to think that by throwing in a couple sets of
sit-ups or leg raises at the end of the workout was enough torso
strengthening work. But over the years as I have gained experience and
continued to study performance, I have developed a new, more
comprehensive training model specific to athletes. The same attention
and effort that you put in to planning your primary training sessions,
you must also spend on designing your core training strategies.
About the Author
Jim Smith is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist who
writes for Men's Fitness and the Elite Q/A Staff. Jim has been involved
in strength training as a performance enhancement specialist for over 8
years and has worked with athletes from various sports who compete at
various levels. He has published articles about his unique training
style and innovative methods for many prominent strength and fitness
related sites. He is also the authored of three renowned strength
manuals. For more innovative training solutions, visit www.CombatCoreStrength.com.
For real core strength, check out:
www.CombatCoreStrength.com
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