How much do you pay attention to your form when you are exercising? Taking the time to be body aware and perform exercises correctly can increase the effectiveness of the exercise and prevent injuries.
So let’s revisit some of the most fundamental exercises to build a strong foundation.
PLANK
When done correctly planks are a super effective exercise for building a rock solid core, essential for hip and back health. Here’s what you need to watch for when doing a plank:
Be aware. Actively engage your abdominal muscles.
Don’t let your hips sag. Lift your hips so that they are inline with your shoulders.
Keep a neutral spine. Don’t look up or down towards your feet. Think about creating a long line from your head to your heels.
Don’t sink into your shoulders. Push into the ground to keep them lifted and positioned inline with your arms.
Remember to BREATH!!
PUSHUP
Pushups are a really effective exercise not only for strengthening the upper body, but also the lower back and core. Here’s what you need to watch for when doing a pushup:
Actively engage your abdominal muscles and tuck your hips.
Your neck and head should be inline with the spine, creating a long line from your head to your heels.
Position your hands shoulder-width apart or slightly wider and your elbows should be at about a 45-degree angle.
As you lower your body, try not to drop your head or collapse into your shoulders. Really focus on activating your entire body and lower as a single unit.
Again, remember to BREATH!!
FORWARD LUNGE
A standard forward lunge targets your hips, glutes, quads and hamstrings. Performing the lunge incorrectly can put excess strain on your joints, especially your knees. It is also an important foundational exercise for many more advanced moves. Here’s what you need to watch for when doing a forward lunge:
Stand tall and as always, actively engage your core.
Step one leg forward so that your thigh is parallel to the floor and right shin is vertical, creating a 90 degree angle.
The majority of your weight should be in the front foot, so think about actively driving your heel down into the ground and shifting your weight slightly forward.
Make sure your knee is inline with your ankle.
