Side Plank w/ Wall Hip Abduction

This is a variation (and progression) to a traditional side plank that incorporates more glute work bilaterally.

Specifically, the two ofter overlooked glute muscles, the gluteus medius and minimus, perform the main action of abducting the leg in this exercise. Even on the down-side leg, these glute muscles must activate to act as stabilizers.

The athlete is cued to stay tall and to drive the top leg back into the wall firmly as he slides the leg up the wall. In doing this, the lateral hip musculature is worked on both sides, and the glute max is emphasized a bit more on the top leg. As with all side plank variations, the lateral core musculature and scapular stabilizers on the side on the ground are active.

Thank you, Kevin, for this video. You can learn more about Kevin, the Head Performance Coach of the Boston Bruins at his website aptly named Kevinneeld.com