The bridge is one of the best ways to tighten and lift your backside and buns. But there are many additional advantages to this great exercise!
A bridge is traditionally performed laying on your back on a mat. It involves lifting the hips and lowering them back down. There are many variations that can be performed and modifications that can be made to make this exercise both easier and harder.
This movement uses a variety of muscles, including the glutes, hamstrings, back extensors and hip adductors and abductors. These muscles all play a vital role in helping to prevent injury and keep our bodies moving properly.
Here are 9 reasons you should do bridges every day
1. It tightens your buns and legs
Did you know that stronger glutes not only make you look better in your jeans, but also help contribute to your overall health? Many people with low back, hip and knee pain have weak gluteal muscles. The bridge is one of the best exercises to help target and isolate these important muscles.
2. It improves posture
You are most likely reading this on your computer or mobile device right now. That means you are probably leaning forward, rounding your shoulders and your back. Most of us sit this way throughout the day, which can cause headaches, weakness and tight muscles from our poor posture! Bridging strengthens the back extensors, which can help us stand up straighter.
3. It can be done laying down
Squats are a very popular and effective exercise for strengthening leg muscles, but there are many people who are unable to do a traditional squat due to back, knee or hip pain. The bridge allows a person to strengthen these muscles in a position that doesn’t put pressure on their joints.
4. It decreases back pain
Back pain many times can be caused by poor movement of the spine. It can lead to weak hip and abdominal muscles. All of these issues are addressed with a bridge exercise. The focus on the core and surrounding musculature can help support and strengthen the low back, leading to decreased pain. Not only that, but regular strengthening with bridges can help prevent back pain in the future!
5. It enhances sports performance
Most physical activities – including running, hiking, cycling, sprinting, and jumping – require strong gluteal muscles. Most people don’t realize they have weak glutes until an injury sidelines them from their sports. Bridges can help strengthen all the posterior chain muscles, which can lead to decreased chance for injury and improved sports performance.
6. It helps prevent knee pain and injury
Knee pain can be a direct result from muscle imbalances in the hips, including weak inner and outer thighs and glutes. Bridging helps strengthen these muscle groups without putting added pressure on the knees. This muscle balance can lead to better tracking of the kneecap and a decreased chance of osteoarthritis in the knees.
7. It helps with scoliosis
Bridges are one of my favorite exercises to give to my physical therapy patients who have scoliosis. Scoliosis is a curvature of the spine and causes an imbalance in movement of the vertebrae and the muscles that surround the spine. Bridging not only strengthens, but also can return proper movement to the spine, which can help the pain associated with scoliosis. I especially love the variation that involves moving one vertebrae at a time. This can be seen in the video below.
8. It feels good
A bridge is considered a type of inversion exercise because your heart is lifted higher than your head as you lift your hips. Inversions have been shown to increase blood flow, which can help balance hormones and release endorphins. All of this can lead to peace of mind, better sleep and improved mood!
9. It improves balance
Bridging works the muscles of the posterior chain of the body. These include the back extensors, gluteals and hamstrings. These muscles play a vital role in our ability to both maintain our balance and regain our balance when we start to fall. Strengthening the posterior chain will help improve balance when standing.
If you want to lift your buns, decrease pain, improve your health and prevent injuries, add bridges to your exercise routine! Here is a short video talking you through 3 different variations of the bridge. Remember, you always want to talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program, and please stop the exercise if you feel pain.
Featured photo credit: Ed Gregory via stokpic.com
