High Plank

This yoga-inspired exercise strengthens the chest, shoulders, triceps, buttocks, hamstrings, and trunk.

Equipment
Exercise or yoga mat.

Exercise Technique
1. Start on your hands and knees. Arms should be directly under your shoulders.
2. Extend one leg back at a time until your body weight is supported on your arms and toes.
3. Hold for five seconds.
4. Return to starting position.
5. Do the desired number of repetitions.

Performance Tips
1. Keep your abdominal muscles lightly held in.
2. Keep your neck and head in line with your spine. Lightly contract your shoulder blades together to open up the chest.
3. Continue breathing as you hold the position.
4. To rest in between repetitions, sit back on your heels with toes flat, chest on your thighs and arms straightened on the floor in front of you (not shown).

Repetitions
Five to ten times of five-seconds each. As you get stronger, lengthen the time you hold the position to ten seconds.