Exercise · Core

Bird dog

  • Strength
  • Balance

Works: Deep core muscles, the muscles along your spine, and balance.

Add to a routineUsed in 9 timer routines

How to do it

Line drawing of a bird dog: on all fours, then one leg reaching straight back and the opposite arm straight forward.
  1. Kneel on all fours, hands under your shoulders and knees under your hips, back flat.
  2. Reach one arm forward and the opposite leg straight back, until both are in line with your body.
  3. Hold for a moment, keeping your hips and back still.
  4. Return slowly and swap sides.

Watch out for

Arching your lower back, and your hips tipping to one side.

Make it easier or harder

  1. 1One limb at a time: reach one arm forward and bring it back, then one leg back and bring it back. Never both together.
  2. 2Bird dog.
  3. 3Slow bird dog: hold each reach for five seconds.
  4. 4Elbow to knee: after each reach, bring the elbow and opposite knee to touch under your body, then reach long again.

Do the difficulty that suits you.

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Safety and disclaimer

The workouts, exercise instructions and effort guide on this page are general information for adults. They are not tailored to you, they are not medical or professional advice, and they may not be suitable for you. They do not replace advice from a professional who knows you. Although exercise can be good for your health, all exercise carries some risk of injury.

Get advice from a doctor, physiotherapist or other qualified health professional before you start if:

  • you have a heart or lung condition, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other long-term condition
  • you have ever had chest pain, fainting or dizziness, with or without exercise
  • you have an injury, a joint or back problem, or pain when you move
  • you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year
  • you have recently had an operation, or been ill
  • you take medicine that affects your heart rate, blood pressure or balance
  • you are new to exercise, or coming back after a long break
  • a doctor or other professional has told you to limit or avoid exercise
  • you have any other concern about your health

Stop straight away if you get chest pain or tightness, feel faint or dizzy, become unusually short of breath, feel your heart racing or beating irregularly, or feel sharp pain. Call 999, or your local emergency number, if you have chest pain or tightness, or if any of these does not settle quickly with rest.

Start at a level that feels comfortable and build up gradually. Clear the space around you, use a floor that is not slippery, and make sure any chair, step, bench or equipment is sturdy and will not move.

You choose whether to do these exercises and how hard to work, and you do them at your own risk. Read our full Medical Disclaimer.