Complete Core Workout: Superman Exercise

Your core consists of muscles around your stomach and the mid/lower back. Crunches are a great way to impact your core but exclude the mid/lower back, an often under exercised area of our core. The superman exercise is done on the floor and has you reach your hands out in front of your head and your legs extended while you balance yourself on your stomach, pretending to fly like Superman. Pretending optional.

This exercise targets all 360º of your core and helps strengthen your lower back while increasing range of mobility in your thoracic spine. Important for all the rigors bowling offers on a league night or tournament.

Step 1

Start by laying on your stomach with your arms overhead and your legs extended.

Step 2

Next, squeeze the muscles in your back and lift up your arms and legs simultaneously until you find your highest point. Then return to your starting position, controlling your weight on the way down.

There are two ways to work reps into your exercise program. Smooth controlled lifts (demonstrated above) or hold at the highest point of the exercise for as long as you can, before coming back down.

Common mistakes made when doing the superman exercise include:

• – Overextending your arms and legs
• – Holding your breath
• – Looking up
• – Going too fast
• – Not believing you are Superman (again, optional)

Avoiding these common mistakes when doing the superman exercise will help prevent injury and build your core muscles.

Check out more exercises from National Bowling Academy that will improve your bowling performance and overall wellness.