Monday 11 June 2018

Don't move the middle: swiss ball jack-knife with small plate (part 4 of 5)

There are exercise specialists who see swiss/ stability balls as offering nothing more than improved balance and significantly less than the big barbell power exercises.  I don't see things the same way.  Postural deficits are profound in society across all ages and body types because we sit too much, move too little, and spend far too much time staring downwards at devices.  Hardest hit by all of this is breathing, which is most often mouth-chest and 20-30+ breaths per minute where it should be nose-abdomen/ diaphragm and 10-15 bpm.  Once breathing is compromised, there is a high chance that basic anterior bracing core stabilisation patterns are faulty as well.
Weak or faulty lumbopelvic stabilisation strategies can't be fixed with high loads.  Instead, manageable postural challenges need to be introduced during which the individual can learn to co-manage shape/ form and ensure correct breathing rhythm.  Swiss balls complement bridging exercises very well in that they add a little more complexity but not a lot more load.
The basic goal of the swiss ball jack-knife is neutral pelvic and lumbar shape, stable shoulders/ arms, with a slow controlled hip action.  Breathing is a lot more challenging in the bridge position but shouldn't be impossible: breathe throughout!  Progress with exercises like the jack-knife is primarily about reducing stress on the diaphragm as the strength of the anterior bracing muscles improves.
The video shows progression from two to one leg.

video: swiss ball jack-knife with small plate

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