Modified plank/abdominal strengthening – NB. Ideally do this side-on to a mirror so that you can check your alignment.

Starting on all fours, walk your hands forwards and either make fists or clasp your hands together in front of you. Your shoulders should be directly above your elbows, ie 90º at the elbow. Unless you are very used to doing this, stay on your knees and raise your buttocks/pelvis so that you are aligned shoulder to knees, ie. Like a plank of wood. Your bottom/pelvis should not “sag” below this line, nor “pop up” above the line. Bow/hang your head forward. The neck should be totally relaxed and able to move freely throughout this exercise. Hold for 15 seconds and build up in increments of 10 seconds as you feel ready and stronger, so long as you are able to maintain the correct alignment. Only if you already have good core control, should you be doing this on your toes and even then, keep an eye on your alignment. It is better to do the “simpler” version well (it’s not that simple!) than to do the extended version badly.