Exercise Spotlight – Side Plank

The side plank is a great core exercise as it forces the lateral stabilisers of the body like the oblique’s and glutes to work hard to maintain stability and alignment through the body. When you swap sides it will also highlight any deficiencies or weaknesses that may be present from side to side. 

You can start with the standard variation or even from the knees to begin with and progress to harder variations like the ‘star’ option shown later in the video.
 
Exercise Suitability:
Beginners: ✔️
Advanced: ✔️
 
What are the key technique points?

• Keep your elbow directly under your shoulder as you are setting up to side plank
• Squeeze your abs and glutes, lining up your body from front to back (like a standard plank) before lifting up into the side plank position.
• Maintain alignment through the shoulders, hips, knees and ankles by bracing your core to keep tight.
• Start on your weaker side if you struggle and remember to swap side to work the full body.

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