Stabilization Bridge
Description
This is a great core stability exercise that calls upon the core muscles - primarily the abdominals - to contract isometrically in order to stabilize the torso and prevent the pelvic region from collapsing. While this movement works well on its own, it is particularly effective when used in conjunction with abdominal movements such as the MB combo crunch. Using the core stabilization bridge as a superset finisher is very effective way to take the abdominals to a further extent of muscle fatigue.
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Execution
- The set up for this exercise has you lying face down with forearms against the ground at shoulder width and hands facing forward.
- With feet together, elevate the torso into a bridge position. The only points of ground contact should be the forearms and the toes.
- Focus on keeping the back straight and maintaining the bridge position. Make sure to breath while your holding the position.
- Hold position until muscle failure is reached.
Variations
Positioning the forearms wider then the shoulders will increase the difficulty and place more stress on the abdominals.
Having a training partner sit across the shoulders is also an effective way add resistance and increase the difficulty. Ensure that your partner sits across your upper back in alignment to where your forearms are placed. If your partner sits too low, additional stress will be placed on the lower back making you more susceptible to injury.
Performing the movement with knees on the ground will decrease the difficulty. This is the best option for beginners.
Medicine Ball Twister
Description
Although under-utilized, this exercise is a great way to strengthen the core region. Twisting the legs from side to side is especially effective when it comes to recruiting the oblique muscles. The addition of a medicine ball further enhances the movements effectiveness.
Execution
- While lying on your back, bend the knees to a 45 degree angle and place an appropriately weighted medicine ball between your inner thighs.
- Inhale and in a controlled motion, rotate your legs to the side, stopping short of making contact with the ground.
- Exhale and twist the legs to the opposing side. The result should be a smooth semi-circular motion.
- Continue until the desired number of repetitions are completed
Variations
Placing the medicine ball between the ankles instead of the inner thighs will make the movement more demanding on the torso.
Increasing the speed of the motion will increase the amount of eccentric stability needed from the obliques in order to decelerate the movement prior to making ground contact.
The movement can also be performed without the medicine ball. Beginners can go through the motion with the knees bent while advanced trainees can perform the exercise with the legs extended.
Performing the semi-circular motion with your legs while hanging from a pull-up apparatus is yet another advanced version of the movement
Olympic Bar Twists
Description
The core region is the centre-point in which speed and strength stems from. A well developed core will improve both athletic performance and the efficiency at which you complete your everyday activities. The functional aspect of the core twist is what makes it so effective. It’s a movement that incorporates and develops core stability, rotary efficiency and body awareness. You should certainly consider incorporating this core strength exercise into your routine.
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Execution
- Position one end of an Olympic sized barbell in a secure position, preferably between the walls of a nearby corner.
- Load the opposing end with barbells to increase the difficulty of the exercise. Lift the weighted end upwards and grasp the bar with both hands at shoulder height. The bar should be at approximately a 45 degree angle.
- Position your shoulders square to the bar. Bend knees slightly and tighten up your abdominals.
- Inhale and without excessively bending the elbows, slowly drop weight off to your side.
- Exhale and after the momentum is controlled, rotate the bar in a semi-circle to the other side.
- Repeat until the desired number of repetitions are completed.