Try the bird dog exercise and thank me later - it's even better than a plank for beginners

Woman setting up to do a bird dog exercise from home with yoga mat, smiling in home studio.

The bird dog exercise is hugely effective at strengthening your core, glutes, and back. Trust me, I've tried it myself, swapping out my regular plank for this unique exercise.

Over the years, I've tried to get better at the plank in my beginner Pilates classes and at home. It's just not the core exercise for me. I can hold the position for about a minute before everything starts shaking, and I feel sweat on my forehead. Even with practice, it still feels like a torturous exercise.