Each month, I will be highlighting a great exercise move to include as part of your workout routine! Up next...
The move is a great full body exercise, as it requires activation of the major lower and upper body muscles. The squat movement activates all the muscles of the legs during the down and up phase, the quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves all have to get to work. Your upper body then comes into effect when your hands reach the floor with the shoulders, chest and upper back muscles being especially activated. The high plank position requires the core abdominal muscles to be activated, as well as the muscles of the lower back, to help keep your body stable. This move will also get your heart rate pumping since it involves the whole body, so itβs a good little cardio move too!
If you're feeling flexible, you can try this move without bending your legs. So this requires you to bend at the hips and reach forward until your hands touch the floor. This will give a nice hamstring stretch and will make your upper body work a little harder as it has to support more of your weight due to the angle. The idea is then to walk back from the high plank position, and return to standing without bending your knees.
Other ways to pump up the burn of this move:
Avoid completing this move too quickly, if you rush the squat and throw your hands to the ground, you could risk injury if your wrists and elbows aren't ready for the weight. Rushing the walk out can also lead to an arched lower back, which can risk injury also.
Emma White (Certified Personal Trainer) has always loved fitness. She's passionate about the many benefits of regular exercise, particularly the positive impact on mental health and overall quality of life, as well as how it provides the key to successful weight management.
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