Perfect your side plank with Patrick Beach

EXERCISE: SIDE PLANK SWITCHING SIDES

WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? Shoulder strength, flexibility, core strength and balance.

STEP 1
Start in the top of a push up, also known as plank pose. If you need to warm up the wrists a little by moving your shoulders in small circles around the hands, you can do this with the knees down too.

STEP 2
When ready, return to plank, bring the inner edges of the feet to touch, and roll over to the outside of the right foot. Lift your hips up strongly and begin to lightly reach your left hand up to the sky. Feel a clean line of energy between your hands and look up towards the left hand. Hold there for one breath. 

STEP 3
Bring your gaze back to the ground and slowly bring your left forearm down to the floor. As the forearm lands, begin to transfer weight into the left arm and roll to the outside of the left foot, getting light on the right arm. When ready, reach the right arm up to the sky, following the hand with your eyes. Hold for one breath. 

STEP 4
Watch the right forearm move down to the floor, lining up parallel with the left arm. Transition the weight into the outer edge of your right foot, reaching the left arm up, get active in the right bicep by spinning it forward and stacking the shoulder on top of the elbow. Remember to keep lifting your hips, hold here for one breath, then bring the left hand to the ground, rolling the weight to the outside of the left foot, and reach the right arm up. Hold for one breath and return to plank pose!

PATRICK BEACH 

LOCATION: Based in Seattle, Washington, but constantly on the move – check out Patrick’s workshop schedule on patrickbeach.com.

INSTAGRAM: @patrickbeach

YOUTUBE: beachyoga