Monday, October 28, 2013

Can Planks Help with Pushup Form

When the hips sag during the performance of a push up, it is most definitely an indicator of poor core strength and the ability to stabilize the mid-section.  In this case, it points to rectus abdominus and transverse abdominus weakness. 

Core strength and the ability to stabilize must be improved before moving on to any other loading/strength building exercises.  Proceeding before the core is strong enough to stabilize the body during exercise can lead to injury.

The plank is definitely a great exercise to deal with core weakness.  It holds the core in an isometric contraction, just what is needed to better perform a push up, specifically.  Gradually work up the reps and duration of the plank, until you can perform your target number of push ups without hip sag.

As well other, abdominal and core exercises can be used to address the underlying weakness.  I'd suggest mixing things up to prevent boredom.  The requisite core strength should quickly improve, allowing other strength building exercises, including the push up, to be added to your routine, within a matter of weeks. 

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