If you’re an avid runner, you have probably read somewhere at some point that planks (front, side and hip) are beneficial for runners. If you’re unfamiliar with planks, they are isometric static postures held for a certain amount of time. For example, a front plank is usually performed on the elbows and toes. A side plank is usually performed lying on one elbow and the side of the foot. Lastly, the hip plank (or glute bridge as I like to call it) is performed lying on the back with the knees bent with the feet flat on the floor. The hips are brought up so there is a straight line from the knees through the hips to the shoulders.
These exercises train the body to prevent movement. If you have really good body awareness or a good coach, you’ll also be able to attain neutral spine (no excessive curve in the lumbar spine) and be able to maintain it throughout each of the three exercises mentioned above.
Read the rest of the article at the Mizuno RUN CLUB blog HERE.
