Gaining core stability: using a gymnastics perspective to build a stronger dancer

Cossens, Phil Master of Sports Physiotherapy, Atlas Sports Physiotherapy, ACT, Australia; and Faulkner, Keren Master of Sports Physiotherapy, Atlas Sports Physiotherapy, ACT, Australia

This interactive workshop will attempt to demonstrate how dancers can benefit from using gymnasts? core stability training techniques.  Practical components of this session will encourage participants to trial a range of alternative strength exercises, accompanied by discussion on the benefits of each exercise in terms of performance enhancement and injury prevention.  Exercise progression from early isolation of keys stabilisers, to advanced dynamic power activities will be attempted.  Focus will expand beyond the local abdominal and lumbar muscle groups to include the advanced activation of hip and pelvis stabilisers, along with utilising the thoracic and upper limb contribution.  The session will conclude with discussion towards effective integration of gymnastics strength drills into your dancer?s program.  

Participants are encouraged to wear appropriate clothing and may wish to bring a mat to enable comfortable practice on the floor.  You may also wish to bring along your digital camera, getting a friend to photograph your exercise can be a wonderful way to recall the activities you learn.