Plank Position • The top picture is incorrect, and the bottom picture is correct. Yes, we’ve worked on both technique and strength with the individual in the top picture and she has improved! I’m definitely not picking on her; sometimes things have to be “wrong” before we learn to do them “right”. • Unfortunately, arching your back like the top picture can actually be bad for your spine as the bony structures of your vertebrae can run into one another. While this will keep your spine from overextending, it is unhealthy to rely on this for stability! Rather, let’s train the muscles of the core to do their work and stabilize. • What is being done correctly in the bottom picture is a proper engagement of the transversus abdominus muscle. This helps to create the flat back and stable core (try the half dead bug exercise keeping your back flat to the floor to work on proper activation). Additionally, she is contracting her gluteal muscles to bring the hips into proper alignment (try the glute bridge exercise pushing through the heels for proper activation). • This is a good exercise for core activation and stabilization. However, it’s not the end all. It can definitely be part of a total core program. Questions? Drop us a DM or comment and we’ll help! • #corestability #plank #sportsperformance #strengthandconditioning #forgedfamily (at Forged Human Performance Center LLC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbqHNzMumV8/?utm_medium=tumblr