Core Muscles

The activity primarily targets the abs. The exercise is intended to strongly activate the abdominals. Maintaining the lifted position should create significant effort through the core stabilizers. Keeping the legs held out in the L position increases abdominal demand during the pull. Controlled breathing is used to increase abdominal engagement during the exercise. During the arm reach, the lower ribs should remain flat and still against the floor. The L shape forces the abs to work throughout the pull. The exhale is used to maintain abdominal control while rolling the hips up. Core muscles function as the central hub of the body, analogous to the hub of a wheel. All abdominal muscles are interconnected, forming a unified stabilization system. Exhaling through the hand or fist can add resistance and strengthen abdominal engagement. A posterior pelvic tuck helps engage the abs. Keeping the ball squeezed throughout the movement drives abdominal engagement. Exhaling helps keep the movement organized through the abdominals. Fully exhaling and briefly pausing are part of the abdominal engagement process. Proper shoulder positioning during the lift should make the abs engage noticeably.…