Category: Core Fitness

How To Do Plank Walk-Ups

June 14, 2022
The Plank Walk-Up Is A Bodyweight Strength Exercise for Arms and Core Stabilizers

I N S T R U C T I O N S

  • Begin in an Elbow Down Plank position with elbows under shoulders. Palms flat.
  • Maintain a straight line from crown of head to your heels.
  • Feet slightly apart.
  • Keep neck long while looking at mat.
  • Slowly lift up off mat, one arm at a time, until elbows are straight. Place hands under shoulders
  • Slowly release downward into the start position.
  • Repeat for desired repetitions.

COMMON ERRORS: Body sagging toward mat. Shoulders lifting toward ears. Winging shoulder blades. Chin droops toward floor.

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How To Do Single-Leg Balance Reach

June 14, 2022
Single-Leg Balance Reach, Strengthens Outer Hips, and Core Stabilizers
I N S T R U C T I O N S
  • Stand tall on right foot.
  • Place hands on hips. Point feet forward.
  • Move left leg sideways as far as possible for 8 to 10 repetitions.
  • Switch legs and stand on left foot. Repeat exercise.
  • Avoid leaning forward. Maintain balance throughout.
  • Move slowly.
M O D I F I C A T I O N: 1) Limit the lift angle. 2) Place hands on wall at shoulder height for support.
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How To Do Step-Up-To-Balance Bicep Curl To Overhead Press

June 11, 2022
Step-Up-To-Balance Strengthens Core, Thighs, Biceps and Shoulders
INSTRUCTIONS

Dumbbells are sold by Power Systems, Perform Better and Amazon

FreeStyle Step: Red/Black Sold By Perform Better

INSTRUCTIONS

There are 4 moves. 1) Step up on to platform with left leg. Stand on left foot as you do each exercise. 2) Perform 1 dumbbell curl. 3) Perform 1 dumbbell overhead press. 4) Lower weights and step down. Move slowly throughout each move.

EXERCISE GOAL: Maintain stability

MODIFICATIONS: 1) The higher the platform, the harder it is to maintain stability. Use a lower platform if needed. 2) Stand on one foot while performing the exercise without the platform. 3) Reduce the weight by using smaller dumbbells.

EQUIPMENT: Dumbbells, Platform, or Step

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How To Do Plank Slide Outs

May 31, 2022
The Plank Slide Out Is A Bodyweight Exercise That Strengthens Core, Shoulders, Upper Back, and Arms
INSTRUCTIONS
  • Get into an all-fours position on your mat.
  • Place a plastic sliding disc under each hand.
  • Lift into a plank position with hands under shoulders and arms straight.
  • Feet about hip width or slightly wider. Toes curled under.
  • Lower down to the down position of a push-up.
  • Slide right arm forward into a straight line. Return right arm to start position.
  • Repeat the same movement with left arm.
  • Push-up with arms straight. Bend elbows and lower down.
  • Continue repeating the sliding exercise for desired repetitions.
EQUIPMENT
  • Plastic Disc Sliders/Gliders
  • Exercise Mat

Gliding Discs sold by Amazon, Perform Better Gliding Discs for Carpet or Hardwood, Power Systems Gliding Discs for Hardwood or Carpet

MODIFICATION
  • Perform the exercise on all fours sliding the disc 4-6 inches, or less from shoulder.
  • Eliminate the push-up.
  • Move arm forward to tolerance performing quarter or half slides.
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EXERCISE DOs and DONTs – As with all exercise programs, when using exercise videos that appear on this site, you need to use common sense. If your muscles are weak, either do the modifications, or don’t attempt this exercise if it’s too difficult for you. When starting an exercise program, be sure to discuss your plans with your healthcare provider

How To Do A Stability Ball Dumbbell Combo

May 26, 2022
Stability Ball Dumbbell Combo Is A Core Stabilization Exercise The Strengthens Back and Shoulders
INSTRUCTIONS

Stability Balls Are Sold on Amazon, Perform Better and Power Systems

Dumbbells are sold by Power Systems, Perform Better and Amazon

INSTRUCTIONS

There are 5 moves in this exercise. Lie on the stability ball with feet hip width. Hold dumbbells with a pronated grip in the start position with dumbbells under shoulders. 1) Slowly bend elbows into a right angle while lifting dumbbells up. 2) Keep elbows at right angles and move weights up aligning dumbbells with ears. 3) Straighten elbows while pushing dumbbells forward, arms forming a straight line. 4) Pull elbows back to a right angle. This is the same position as # 2. 5) Lower dumbbells to the start position. Repeat additional rounds as desired.

TECHNIQUE: Keep shoulders away from the ears. Push front of the hips into the ball by maintaining glute muscle activation. Remain stable during each movement.

MODIFICATION: If the ball is too large, or the weight too heavy, you’ll have difficulty with stabilization. If your feet don’t touch the floor, select a smaller ball or remove some of the air.

EQUIPMENT: Stability Ball and Dumbbells

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How To Do Prone Wide Rows on A Stability Ball With A Workout Bar

May 26, 2022
Stability Ball Prone Wide Rows Is A Core Stabilization Exercise The Strengthens Upper Back and Core
INSTRUCTIONS

Exercise Balls Are Sold on Amazon, Power Systems and Perform Better

Workout Bars are Sold by Weight at Perform Better, Power Systems and Amazon

Home Fitness Equipment: How To buy An Exercise Bar

INSTRUCTIONS

Take a prone position on the exercise ball with feet wider than hips. Bend elbows and grip the workout bar wider than shoulder width. Slowly bring the bar toward chest and then release to the start position. Grip is pronated with wrists straight.

TECHNIQUE: Remain stable throughout.

MODIFICATION: If the ball is too large, or the weight is too heavy, you’ll have difficulty with stabilization. If your feet don’t touch the floor select a smaller ball or release some of the air.

EQUIPMENT: Stability Ball and Workout Bar

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