We all know that the best way to enhance movement is with exercises in a standing position for these exercises relate more specifically to how we function in daily life. From improving stability, strength, and even sporting skills of speed and power the best exercises are all performed standing up. But what if you are unable to complete these exercises due to an injury or weakness? What do you do now? Sure, you could do exercises lying and sitting but these exercises do not require much stability as this is taken out of the equation by the floor or a chair which also means they do not address the lack of stability causing pain or dysfunction. This is where kneeling exercises can provide amazing benefits for they can simplify a movement enough to remove the need for strength and coordination, but not so much that the need for stability is lost. In some cases, the stability demand is even greater with kneeling positions which can provide significant benefits to the core taking pressure off the hips and the spine. There is no doubt that kneeling exercises are very under-rated and more useful than many people realize.
How Good Is The Side Plank For Improving Core Stability?
Many of you who have read many of my previous articles about core strength or core stability will know I am not a big fan of the popular plank exercise. I have even written a detailed article (7 exercises better than the plank) discussing how over-used this exercise is and how you can find many so many better ways to train your core than the plank. However, many people believe I contradict myself by saying that the side plank is a good choice for I regularly use it and see it as a great exercise for improving core stability. There are several reasons I suggest this and in this article I will explain why I rate this exercise so highly. I will also show you how to gradually progress from a simple exercise to a more functional movement to ensure you get the most out of it. Enjoy.