Home practice video week 2 (15 minutes): brief yoga practice that focuses on core and upper body strength by using a block (but you don’t need a block)
Core in plank?
The muscles that move your shoulders in a press-up and keep you up in plank position, run from your shoulders down your back. They connect to the core muscles surrounding the whole body. So when you activate the core muscles, they help activate the shoulder muscles. Not to mention without core strength, your belly will fall to the floor – not so good for the spine!
But why squeeze a block in between the thighs to activate the core? Squeezing the block uses muscles in your thighs and buttocks. Those muscles connect to the bottom of your core – the way the muscles of the shoulder connect to the top. If all muscle groups are working, they share the load and your spine is supported from top to bottom.
If it still doesn’t make sense…try squeezing a block (or a rolled up towel) between your thighs when you’re standing. You should feel muscles in your stomach tighten.
For more shoulder/back/core strengthening ideas, check out my article in Wilderness magazine on Planking for your core.
