Exercise of the Week: Plank

Benefits: This exercise is great for strengthening the core musculature while keeping spine in a neutral position.Technique:1. Lay on your stomach2. Prop up onto your elbows, straighten the legs and lift into plank (while toes stay grounded)3. Your back should be neutral, elbows in line with the shoulders, hips level with the trunk, and neck in line with the rest of the body4. Core musculature should be engaged: belly draws up and in toward the spine5. Hold this position. Begin with a small number like 10 seconds and work your way to 1 min. (KEEP BREATHING)

Modifications:

1. Modified push up position

2. Quadruped (hands and knees)

Progressions: Propping up onto hands instead of elbows