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Holding a plank for extended periods or performing endless sit-ups demonstrates solid core strength. However, true core strength isn't just about powering through ab workouts. It also requires stability to prevent injuries, meaning you need both strength and stability in your core.
Good core stability ensures proper spinal alignment and reduces the risk of injury during activities like deadlifts, squats, wrestling throws, or other athletic movements. Test your core stability with a simple bird dog exercise—no shortcuts allowed!
Here are two key questions: Can you maintain a neutral spine while alternating arms and legs? Can you keep your pelvis steady throughout the movement? The linked article provides additional tests and conditions to try, along with exercises like bird dogs, dead bugs, and half-kneeling resisted chops to enhance core stability.
While planks, sit-ups, and ab rollouts focus on building core strength and are physically demanding, core stability exercises may seem simpler. Their purpose, however, is to refine control over the smaller stabilizer muscles in your abdominal region.
Image courtesy of Ben Sutherland.
