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Slide show: Exercises to improve your core strength
By Mayo Clinic staff
Modified plank
This core-strength exercise is called the modified plank:
- Lie on your stomach. Raise yourself up so that you're resting on your forearms and your knees. Align your head and neck with your back, and place your shoulders directly above your elbows. Tighten your abdominal muscles.
- Create resistance by pressing your elbows and your knees toward one another. Neither should move from their positions on the floor. Hold for three deep breaths.
- Return to the start position and repeat.
References
- Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2011.
- Krupa NL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 12, 2011.
- Akuthota V, et al. Core stability exercise principles. Current Sports Medicine Reports. 2008;7:39.
- Willardson JM. Core stability training: Applications to sports conditioning programs. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2007;21:979.
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