Birddog Exercise – Adding A Stability Challenge To The Exercise

In the image below you will see one of Principle Four Osteopathy clients demonstrating two variations on the birddog exercise.  The birddog exercise is one that has the client start in a four point position (knees under hips, hands under shoulders and neutral spine).  They are then asked to maintain a stable torso as they raise one arm / leg or opposing arms and legs.  This individual is demonstrating two different versions whereby their stability is being challenged through the addition of a dura disc (other similar tools could be used) under the grounded hand or knee.  The design of the dura disc is such that the object moves and therefore one must work slightly harder to maintain balance.  This is a relatively low load exercise and therefore it is often prescribed in higher reps.

This blog post was written by Melbourne osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Melbourne Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced Melbourne osteopaths working across both of the clinics. The Melbourne City CBD osteopathy clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation. The Melbourne osteopathic Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation. To speak to your Melbourne Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.