Core Corner: Overhead Cable Pull
This exercise is an excellent example of how a common exercise can be adjusted to focus on stabilizing the body and thereby become a ‘core’ exercise.
1. Stand with your back to a cable column machine with the pulley 6-8 inches overhead and a light weight selected.
2. Maintain a straight vertical line with your body and lean backwards from the ankles until just before you reach the point where you will fall backwards if you do not step back.
3. At this point, strongly engage the abdominals, inside of the thighs and front of the hips to hold you from falling backwards. There will be a strong tendency to lean or bend forward. Avoid this tendency and use the above muscles to stay erect. It takes a little practice to find this position, but this is the key to the exercise. It also helps to grip the floor with your feet.
4. Holding this position, perform 12 reps of an elbow extension (triceps exercise).
Tags: core corner
