Ep 39: James Crader | Core training beyond the abs

In this episode, Janet and Nikki chat with Pilates teacher and Movement Coach James Crader about how the core is more than just the "abs" and how to use this idea for whole body movement. They cover: Why you might want to rethink how you use common fitness cues like brace and squeeze (and when you should use those words) The difference between finding your core through the action of squeezing and engaging it through dynamic movement How core became a fitness buzzword and why it's more than just training the abdominals Finding a balance between abdominal exercises like planks and crunches and building awareness around the abs through movement exploration The role of muscle timing and the nervous system in efficient movement The potential issues with living + training in a posterior pelvic tilt and the potential correlation with intestinal distress Tips for creating more exploration and ease in your movement and Pilates practice About James Crader:  James is a Movement Coach specializing in Pilates and John F. Barnes Myofascial Release Therapy, a CoreAlign Faculty Member, co-host of the Thinking Pilates Podcast, and owner of Evolved Body Studio in Sacramento, CA. Growing up he never thought anything fitness would be his calling. He was nerdy, enjoyed listening to and telling stories, and loved to experiment, create, and play with the shapes he could make while rolling around on the floor. He and his sister even practiced writing with their toes (just in case). All that made for a really weird kid, but an innovative movement educator. James began his Pilates training with Balanced Body, but has gone on to study with numerous teachers from many lineages of Pilates and beyond. James has contributed to movement and lifestyle conversations on podcasts, diverse blogs, Pilates Style magazine, the documentary A Movement of Movement, and now Pilates Anytime. You can find out more about James and EB Studio at www.EvolvedBodyStudio.com, or follow his movement musings through Project Movement University (project_Move.U.) on Facebook and Instagram.