Dem Bones, Dem Bones

You know that old song about the thigh bone being connected to the hip bone? It’s true. Every part of your body is connected, and what effects one part can have collateral effects on other parts.

So, I have had this on-again off-again pain in my lower abdomen whenever I run hills or in deep snow (like I did this winter). At first I thought it was just a strain in my lower abdominals—makes sense, right?—but I also noticed that there was some pain and stiffness in my hips and down into the muscles that run along the inner side of the thighs (i.e. adductors). When I decided to stretch those tight thighs and hips, I soon realized just how stiff they were; we are talking rigor mortis stiff. Conclusion: tight muscles in the hips and thighs are causing related problems in the abdominals. Solution: stretch everything out.

Also, as a result of this experience, I have become obsessed with strengthening my abdominal muscles. I have been doing crunches and such since I started running again two years back, but I now realize there are more muscles then those 6-packs—or abdominis rectus for those who want to get all scientific and fancy. For instance, there is the transversus abdominis muscle. This acts like a corset around your middle and provides stability rather than motion—and while you can’t see them on the outside, you can certainly feel them on the inside when they aren’t working properly.

One good exercise for the transverse abdominis is the “Vacuum”. I’ve actually done vacuums back in the day when I was into yoga. To do them, you exhale till your lungs are empty, and then you suck your stomach inward and upward as if trying to touch your belly button to your spine (yes, I know that sounds painful). You can do this exercise while standing, sitting, or laying down—so it’s a good exercise to do while in the office.

So right now I am stretching my hips and thighs, and doing those vacuums. Only time will tell if my efforts will eliminate the pain or if I will have to go visit a medical professional after the running season is over.