Suspension Single Leg Plank (straight arm)

The Suspension Single Leg Plank (straight arm) is a challenging exercise that targets your core, shoulders, and glutes. It involves using suspension straps to support your body while you hold a plank position on one leg, with your arms extended straight. This exercise is great for developing stability and strength throughout your entire body. By engaging your core and glute muscles to maintain your balance, you'll improve your overall stability and minimize the risk of injury in daily activities or other sports. The Suspension Single Leg Plank (straight arm) is particularly effective for enhancing core strength. As you stabilize your body with one leg, your abdominals, obliques, and deep stabilizer muscles are engaged to keep your body aligned. This exercise will help you build a solid foundation for other advanced movements and promote better posture both during exercise and everyday life. Additionally, the Suspension Single Leg Plank (straight arm) also targets your shoulders and improves upper body strength. The extended arm position challenges your deltoids, trapezius, and rotator cuff muscles, resulting in improved shoulder stability and overall upper body strength. Incorporating this exercise into your workout routine, whether you're at home or the gym, will provide a unique and effective way to challenge your core, improve stability, and enhance upper body strength. Just make sure to start with proper form and gradually increase the duration as you gain strength and confidence in this movement.

Instructions

• Start by attaching the suspension trainer handles to a stable anchor point, such as a doorframe or a sturdy beam.
• Position yourself facing away from the anchor point and grip the handles with an overhand grip.
• Extend your arms fully and step back until your body is at about a 45-degree angle to the floor.
• Engage your core muscles by pulling your belly button towards your spine and squeezing your glutes.
• Lift one leg off the ground, keeping it straight and in line with your body.
• Maintain a straight line from your head to your heels, avoiding any sagging or bending at the hips.
• Hold this position for the desired amount of time, making sure to keep your body stable.
• Lower your leg back down and repeat the exercise on the opposite leg.

Tips & Tricks

• Engage your core throughout the movement for stability and balance.
• Increase the duration of each plank repetition gradually to build endurance.
• Focus on maintaining a straight line from your head to your toes, avoiding sagging or arching of the back.
• Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears to prevent tension in the neck and upper body.
• Maintain a controlled and steady breathing pattern to enhance relaxation and concentration.
• Ensure that your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders to maintain proper alignment and distribute the weight evenly.
• Alternate between lifting each leg while maintaining the plank position to challenge your stability and engage more muscles.
• Incorporate this exercise into a well-rounded workout routine that includes a variety of core, upper body, and lower body exercises.
• Do not rush through the movement, focus on quality rather than quantity to ensure proper form and maximize benefits.
• Consult with a fitness professional to ensure you are performing the exercise correctly and to receive personalized guidance.