Core Matters: Part 2

Hello my friends, it's great to be back with the next installment of Core Matters! I hope you've been practicing your planks! Today we will be adding side plank. In all variations of side plank you are strengthening your chest and back. You are also opening the ribcage, this enables you to increase your lung capacity and oxygen to the body. Side plank is a balancing pose, it is important to keep a calm breath to help maintain balance. 

Side Forearm Plank- Side plank incorporates many of the same muscles as forearm plank but also activates the obliques.  Here are a few of the many benefits of side forearm plank::

Strengthen the shoulder girdleIncrease abdominal strengthFirm and tone the bodyIncrease balance

Modified side plank

Modified side plank

Side forearm plank. As you can tell, I love dreaming while in side forearm plank! ;-)

Side forearm plank

Full Side Plank- Is a bit trickier than side forearm plank, as you can see you are balancing on just your hand and side of the foot. Gravity works against us in this pose which helps us work on our strength and balance. Here are a few of the many benefits of full side plank::

Strengthens the shoulder girdleStrengthens the wrists and elbow jointIncrease abdominal strengthFirm and tone the bodyIncrease balance

Modified full side plank

Modified full side plank

Full side plank

Full side plank

If you are a beginner start with the modified version of plank and work up from there. Adding time as you build muscle and become a pro at planking! Just as in our front plank start holding side plank for 15-30 seconds and work up in time from there. 

Happy planking my friends!