Deadbug ab exercise

Fed up with staring at the floor during the plank? Strengthen your abs the other way up with the deadbug! Despite its quirky name, it’s one of the best bodyweight exercises you can do for your core.

Why? Well, they might look easy – just lying around isn’t exactly hard work – but deadbugs give a lot of bang for your buck. They engage a lot of muscle groups – chest, back, ab and obliques, as well as your arms, glutes and thighs – so keep your body challenged.

WHY SHOULD I DO THE DEADBUG?

Why should you lie around like a flailing cockroach? Good question. Choosing the right core exercises is crucial for maintaining your overall strength. Build a strong core and daily life is easier – walking, putting on your shoes, cleaning the bath.

Strong core muscles give you increased stabilization in the torso when you run and workout. This protects you from injury and reduces your risk of fatigue and back pain.

The deadbug is a safe, pain-free exercise that will intensely train your abs whilst encouraging good body movement. Convinced? Here’s how to safely do it:

HOW DO I DO A DEADBUG?

• Lie on your back and squeeze your abs so you drive your lower back into the ground. You want to eliminate any gaps between your back and the floor (not even a pen should fit underneath!)
• Bring your legs up into ‘tabletop’ position. Keeping your arms straight and strong, focus on extending one arm and the opposite leg. Alternate the lifting and lowering on each side.
• Keep battling to keep your lower back grounded. Imagine it ‘melting’ into the floor. Stop the arm/leg movement if your back lifts.
• Do about 3 sets of 10 reps twice a week.

Deadbugs are super-simple.All you need is a mat and muscles. They’re ideal to practice at home or Hussle during a quick lunchtime. Or try them as a warm-up or cool down. When you Hussle, you can always fit them in somewhere!

Photo by Evieanna Santiago on Unsplash