Bird Dog

  • Beginner
  • Home
  • Pilates
  • Mobility

Bird dog starts on all fours with a flat back, then extends one arm forward and the opposite leg back at the same time. Holding this position without letting your hips tilt trains anti-rotation control in the lower back, abs and glutes. Beginners use it at home, in Pilates or mobility work as a warmup, a main lift or a finisher, done for reps.

Coach
Bird Dog (Michael)
Bird Dog
Bird Dog (Cindy)
Bird Dog
AI-generated illustration
Muscles
Lower back, Abs, Glutes
Equipment
Bodyweight
Logged as
Reps

How to

  1. Start on all fours with a flat back.
  2. Extend one arm forward and the opposite leg back.
  3. Hold briefly, keeping your hips level and core tight.
  4. Return and switch sides with control.

Form cues

  • Reach long through fingers and toes, not just lifting.
  • Keep your gaze down, neck in line with your spine.
  • Breathe steadily instead of holding your breath.

Common mistakes

  • Hips rotate open toward the lifted leg. Keep your hips level and square to the floor.
  • Back arches as the arm and leg lift. Keep your spine neutral, core braced throughout.
  • Limbs swing up fast without control. Extend slowly and hold briefly at the top.

Wellboy is a wellness and fitness app, not a healthcare service, and it does not provide medical advice. Talk to a doctor or another healthcare professional before starting a new exercise or diet routine if you have a medical condition, an injury, are pregnant, or have symptoms.

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