Exercise: Plank Saw Over Toes
Purpose: To keep the spine stable in a sagittal plane bias using the core musculature isometrically, and advancing up and down using the shoulders, toes and ankles
What It Targets: Dynamic stabilization of the Core Musculature: Internal Obliques, External Obliques, Transverse Abdominis; Periscapular and Shoulder Musculature: Serratus Anterior, Middle/Lower Trapezius, Pectoralis Major/Minor, Middle/Posterior Deltoid; Gastrocnemius, Soleus, Toe Flexors/Extensors
Procedure:
Lay on your stomach with your spine in a straight, stacked alignment with legs and trunk parallel.
Bend your elbows and place your palms face down on the floor with your elbows directly below your shoulders.
Place your feet on the floor with your toes curled underneath you.
Lift your hips and pelvis towards the ceiling keeping all the above cues the same.
Imagine there is a magnet between you elbows and your toes. You should tension build across your entire abdomen.
Maintaining core stability, pull your elbows down to advance your entire trunk and legs forward, pointing the toes and ankles.
Return to the start position by pressing your forearms up towards the top of your head.
Hold for as long as prescribed.
Repeat as many times as prescribed.
Main Cues:
Keep your trunk in line with your legs
Keep your elbows directly below your shoulders and press your forearms/elbows into the floor using your shoulder blade muscles
Imagine there is a magnet between you elbows and your toes
Common Compensations/Adverse Effects:
Arching and/or pain in the low back
Correction: Tuck your pelvis into a posterior tilt, using your glutes; Produce and maintain tension throughout your entire core. A full exhale helps; Decrease the time spent in the plank; Regress to performing the plank on your knees
Sagging of the hips
Correction: Lift your hips as if there is a fire underneath you but without flexing at your hips or waist. You should feel a solid core burn throughout the entirety of your !
Pain in the shoulders
Correction: Press the floor away with your whole arm with emphasis on shoulder blade activation; Be mindful to not let your shoulders hike up towards your ears; Decrease the time spent in the plank; Regress to performing the plank on your knees
Pain in neck
Correction: Keep your head in line with the rest of your spine, do not let it hang down towards the floor or flex forward toward your chest
Pain in feet/toes
Correction: Reduce the range of motion of trunk movement; Place toes on a soft surface like a foam pad or pillow; Regress to a regular plank without movement
Why We Love It:
It’s a functional whole body exercise that challenges the core muscles in the frontal plane
It’s great for building scapular/ shoulder controlled mobility and endurance
It requires no equipment!
*Disclaimer: Not all exercises are suitable for everyone, and participation in novel activities may increase the risk of adverse effects such as pain, soreness, or injury. Please consult with your Physician or a local Physical Therapist prior to attempting any exercise you feel uncomfortable performing. If adverse reactions occur, discontinue performance of the exercise and consult your physician or trusted clinician for evaluation.
Keep It Moving Physical Therapy & Wellness
50 Mall Road
Suite 207
Burlington, MA 01803
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