Bird Dog

The Bird Dog exercise is a fantastic movement for strengthening and stabilizing your core muscles. It primarily targets your deep abdominal muscles (transverse abdominis) and your lower back muscles (erector spinae). This exercise also activates your glutes, shoulders, and upper back muscles, making it a wonderful full-body exercise. To perform the Bird Dog, start on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Begin by extending your right arm forward while simultaneously extending your left leg behind you. Keep your spine and neck neutral, and avoid any arching or rounding in your back. Hold this position for a few seconds, focusing on engaging your core and maintaining balance. Then, gently bring your arm and leg back to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side. The Bird Dog exercise can be modified to suit your fitness level. For beginners, it's best to start by focusing on balance and stability, gradually increasing the duration of the hold as you get stronger. As you progress, you can add more repetitions or incorporate resistance by using ankle weights or resistance bands. Incorporating the Bird Dog exercise into your workout routine can help improve your posture, stability, and overall core strength. It's a low-impact exercise that can be performed at home or at the gym with no equipment necessary. So give it a try and enjoy the benefits of a stronger, more stable core!

Instructions

• Start in a tabletop position on your hands and knees, with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips.
• Engage your core muscles by drawing your belly button in towards your spine.
• Extend your right arm straight forward so that it's parallel to the floor, while simultaneously extending your left leg straight back until it's parallel to the floor as well.
• Maintain a straight line from your fingertips to your toes, avoiding any arching or rounding in your back.
• Hold this position for a brief moment, focusing on maintaining stability and balance.
• Return to the starting position by slowly bringing your right arm and left leg back to the tabletop position.
• Repeat the exercise with the opposite arm and leg, alternating sides with each repetition.
• Perform the desired number of repetitions on each side, gradually increasing intensity and difficulty as you become more comfortable with the exercise.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core throughout the exercise to maintain stability.
• Focus on slow and controlled movements rather than speed.
• Keep your spine in a neutral position throughout the movement.
• Alternate sides after each repetition to work both sides of your body equally.
• Imagine reaching your hand and foot towards opposite walls to fully engage the muscles.
• Don't forget to breathe and exhale as you extend your arm and leg.
• Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase as you build strength and control.
• Use a mat or cushion to provide comfort and support for your knees and elbows.
• If you have any lower back issues, consult a professional before performing this exercise.
• To increase the challenge, try lifting the foot and hand higher as you extend.