Dead bug exercises don’t seem like a fantastic base move. In all likelihood, it makes you think of dead insects or cockroaches that have died rather than a great fitness. However it is a great exercise for beginners, it offers a lot of benefits, and there are plenty of compelling reasons for you to incorporate it into your routine of exercise.
Personal trainer Evan Williams, CSCS, creator of E2G Performance in Chicago, employs the dead bug in all his clients. He informs SELF that it’s one of the primary movements he rely on for strengthening his core.
The dead bug is described by the author as an “low-risk high-reward” move that is low-risk, high-reward. It’s because when compared with other core exercises like sit-ups, crunches or planks, the dead bug is less likely to cause chance of injuries (more about why). Furthermore, practicing dead bugs regularly could offer a variety of benefits for fitness, such as improved coordination and posture, strength in the core and core stability.
Are you ready to know more about this fun, versatile move? Read on for all the information you must be aware of about the dead bug workout and its advantages and muscles used, as well as how to modify it for various fitness levels, as well as steps-by-step directions for performing the dead bug safely and efficiently.
What exactly does dead bug exercises do?
Dead bugs can test the strength of your spine and stabilization, as well as your coordination. It may also aid in improving your posture and lower your risk of developing lower back pain.
Wondering how exactly the dead bug accomplishes the above? The way to do this is as simple as lying down in a position on your back in a tabletop posture and then stretching one arm and the other leg out straight. When you stretch the opposite limb the lower back naturally desires to extend, which means it will move forward and fall off the floor. However, the primary goal for the bug that is dead, however, is to activate your core muscles to prevent this from happening. This makes the dead bug an “anti-extension” move, Williams says. When you’re in this position, you’re focusing on your core strength and stability while maintaining a good posture as the spine remains in an upright posture (instead of being arched or rounded) and your limbs move.
The dead bug is beneficial for coordination since it requires moving simultaneously your leg and arm before switching and repeating using the other arm and the opposite leg. Many struggle with this problem of coordination–which is similar to the stomach and rubbing your head when they first attempt this dead bug exercise, Williams says. However, with time their coordination improves as he explains.
Additionally, the dead bug can help lower the chance of suffering from lower back pain as it can to strengthen the erector spinae which is a group of muscles located in the lower part of your back. According to according to the Mayo Clinic reports, having weak muscles in your back and abdomen could cause back pain. Therefore, by strengthening your erector spine with Dead Bug, you can decrease the chance of experiencing discomfort in the area.
What muscles will the dead bug exercise target?
Dead bugs work on a variety of muscles within your core, such as the transverse abdominis (deepest core muscles which are wrapped over your spine along your side) and the rectus abdominis (muscles which run vertically across the abdomen’s front) and the obliques (muscles that run along both sides of the stomach) and the your pelvic floor, Williams states. Also, it works your erector spinaeas we’ve mentioned previously, and the hip flexors.
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