VIDEO: Lower Abdominal Exercise
Dentistry requires a special type of exercise called muscular endurance training. When you are in the operatory, you are constantly asking your core muscles to contract at a low level for long periods of time. For this reason, you should train them accordingly—for endurance, not strength.
This exercise targets the lower abdominal muscles. The slower you perform this exercise, the more you are training your muscles specifically for the job of dental hygiene!!
Photo 1A
Continue breathing while slowly straightening the leg (Photo 1B). Lightly touch the floor, hold, then return the leg to 90 degree position. Repeat with the same leg 5-10 times.
Photo 1B
Make sure your neck stays relaxed throughout the exercise. Only straighten your leg out as far as you can without arching your back off the floor. This exercise focuses on the lower abdominal muscles. Strengthening these muscles helps to protect and stabilize the low back, as well as prevent back pain. Now repeat the exercise with the opposite leg.
Advanced version: Once you’ve mastered this exercise, you may want to try the advanced version. Pull navel to spine and bring both legs to 90 degrees. Slowly straighten the right leg, without letting it touch the floor. Return it to the 90 degree position, then straighten the left leg without letting it touch the floor. Repeat 10-20 times. Make sure back stays on floor and your neck is relaxed.
View original video: Why Hygienists Require Specific Exercise
