This is an excellent exercise to strength and condition the core muscles while helping to reduce the love handles. Cycling and running are sagital sports. They mostly involve you moving forward. Side Bridging focuses on those muscles that control lateral movements. Runners and cyclists usually present with strong quadriceps, calves, and other muscles that help propel forward but often have weak muscles that control side-to-side movements. By focusing on the core muscles in a lateral movement, injuries may decrease. Practical Benefits: This exercise helps to stabilize the knee in an appropriate and safe running and cycling position. In keeping the pelvis level, it helps to protect the spine from negative forces. Areas of Concern: Avoid this exercise if you experience shoulder, lower back, or knee pain during or after the exercise.
