Dead bug is an excellent exercise for core stabilization. It will strengthen key core components especially the abdominal muscles.
These exercises should be performed in neutral pelvis and with abdominal bracing. The steps gradually become more difficult. You must maintain proper form while performing the exercises. If a certain step is too difficult to perform with proper form, back up to the previous step to maintain good form.
Video: Dead Bug Exercise
Step 1: Neutral pelvis
Neutral pelvis and abdominal bracing. Follow the link to find more about neutral pelvis.
Step 2: One arm
Raise one arm at a time overhead.
Step 3: One leg
March legs one at a time to bring knees to chest.
Step 4: One arm and one leg
Bring knee to chest one at a time while raising the opposite arm. Return foot and arm to floor and switch sides.
Step 5: Full on dead bug
The starting point is arms and legs already in the air. Raise knee to chest one at a time while raising the opposite arm. At the same time, extend the other leg above the floor and hover the other arm by the side.
Key Points to Remember!
- Keep neutral pelvis and abdominal bracing
- Keep breathing properly
- Relax everything else
- Do the exercises SLOWLY
STOP if you start to shake, lose form, or your back pain is aggravated. (A muscle burn is okay)
Additional Resources
http://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/detail/view/name/dead-bug
https://patienteducation.osumc.edu/Documents/dead-bug-exer.pdf
Web site to come! Great exercise. I will start slowly and work up to the difficult one.
Thank you for clear instructions and demonstrations. Great prelude to Yoga, gaining core strength.
Thank you, again!