We got a tremendous response to last month’s video regarding the importance of the core and core stiffness, so we are going to continue with that theme for this month’s newsletter. As a reminder, the core is defined as the area between the two shoulder joints and the two hip joints. Where last month we focused on the abs with the McGill Crunch, this month we are going to focus on the obliques and the muscles around the core. And following the same formula as we did last time, we are going back to the foremost expert on the spine and the core, Dr. Stuart McGill for this month’s training tip, the McGill Side Planks.
With help from my son William, I will take you through the basic side plank, a couple of different progressions and the proper techniques. It is not enough just to know what do; you have to know how to do it because if you don’t have the proper technique, you can end up hurting yourself in the long run. In order to build a house, you have to have the proper foundation in place. You need the cement poured and the 2×4’s in place before you start dressing it up. Your body works the same way. In order to improve your quickness and strength, you need to have a sound athletic foundation and that is where having a strong core comes into play. So be sure to integrate some of Dr. McGill’s tips into your training regiment and you will start to see a difference in your performance on the field.