Modified Plank, Inchworm

Benefits:

• Strengthens arms (especially triceps by keeping elbows in close)

• Improves flexibility of spine and shoulders

• Strengthens abdominal and core muscles

• Increases muscular endurance

Steps:

• Start on all fours, placing hands directly under shoulders, knees and feet hip width apart

• Walk hands forward about 5-6 inches and bring your head forward until your shoulder are again directly over your hands

• Spread your fingers wide

• Pull in your abdominal muscles, creating one straight line from the top of your head to your tailbone (no sway back or rounded back)

• Stay in this position for 3-4 breaths

• On your next exhalation, slowly lower your chest to the floor, keeping your hips up and elbows close to your ribs

• Lower hips, so you are lying on your belly

Press back to modified Plank and repeat 4-5 times