But incorporating lateral exercisesbasically, side-to-side movesinto your workout routine is also super important.
With that in mind, Delgado-Lugo created a five-move,total-body workoutfor SELF that relies on lateral exercises.
Its great for building well-rounded, functional strength, and is easily scalable to different fitness levels.
Katie Thompson
What are lateral exercises?
Lateral exercises happen in the frontal plane of motion, which is one of three planes of motion.
What are the benefits of lateral exercises?
There are a ton of benefits to lateral exercises that make them a worthwhile addition to your routine.
Lateral movement can help support balance and rotation as well as help you resist impact forces.
For that reason, lateral exercise plays a big role in injury prevention.
For instance, being strong laterally can up your chances of staying upright if you slip on ice.
How can you add lateral exercises to your routine?
Delgado-Lugo suggests adding this circuit to your routine about once a week.
As with any workout, just see to it to do a warm-up firsthere arefive pre-workout stretchesyou can try.
Keep scrolling for an amazing lateral workout that youll want to add to your weekly routine.
Lateral Plank Walk
This full-body exercise involves movement in the frontal plane.
Make it easier by lowering the rep count.
Lateral Lunge
This lunge variation combines movement in frontal and sagittal planes.
verify to engage your core and keep your chest up as you lunge.
Make it easier by lowering the rep count and/or just using your bodyweight.
As you hop, keep your core engaged and chest up.
Make it easier by stepping out to the side instead of jumping.
Forearm Rainbow Plank
This full-body exercise involves movement in both the frontal and transverse planes.
It engages your hip flexors and obliques, which help support sideways movement of the spine, says Delgado-Lugo.
As you perform reps, push your elbows into the floor and maintain tension in your core and legs.
Go at a slow, controlled pace.
Make it easier by lowering the rep count.
As with the rainbow plank, go at a slow, controlled pace.
Make it easier by using lighter weights or lowering your rep count.
