McGill Big 3 (Core)
Low back stability - Beginner
- Curl-up: 10 reps x 10s hold
- Side plank: 3 x 20-30s/side
- Bird dog: 3 x 8/side (slow)
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Dead Bug
Core stability & coordination - Beginner
- Lie on back, arms up, knees at 90°
- Lower opposite arm and leg slowly
- Keep lower back pressed to floor
- 3 x 10 reps each side
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Cat-Cow Stretch
Spinal mobility - Beginner
- Start on hands and knees
- Arch back up (cat), then down (cow)
- Move slowly through full range
- 10-15 repetitions
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Glute Bridge
Glute & hip strength - Beginner
- Lie on back, knees bent, feet flat
- Squeeze glutes and lift hips
- Hold 3-5 seconds at top
- 3 x 12 reps
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Pelvic Tilts
Lower back mobility - Beginner
- Lie on back with knees bent
- Flatten lower back to floor (posterior tilt)
- Then arch slightly (anterior tilt)
- 15-20 slow reps
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Chin Tucks
Neck posture correction - Beginner
- Seated or standing, draw chin straight back
- Hold 5 seconds, repeat 10-15 reps
- Keep eyes level, no tilt
- Imagine making a double chin
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Thoracic Extension
Upper back mobility - Beginner
- Sit with foam roller behind upper back
- Support head with hands
- Extend back over roller gently
- 10-15 reps, move roller up/down spine
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Upper Trapezius Stretch
Neck tension relief - Beginner
- Sit tall, hold chair with right hand
- Tilt head to left, ear toward shoulder
- Hold 30 seconds each side
- Repeat 2-3 times
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Levator Scapulae Stretch
Neck & shoulder relief - Beginner
- Turn head 45° to one side
- Look down toward armpit
- Use hand to gently increase stretch
- Hold 30 seconds, 2-3 reps each side
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Wall Slides
Shoulder mobility & scapular control - Intermediate
- Back to wall, elbows/wrists on wall
- Slide arms up without arching back
- Keep contact with wall throughout
- 2 x 10 slow reps
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
External Rotation with Band
Rotator cuff strength - Beginner
- Elbow at side, 90° bend
- Hold resistance band, rotate outward
- Keep elbow pinned to side
- 3 x 15 reps each arm
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.
Pendulum Exercise
Shoulder mobility (gentle) - Beginner
- Lean forward, support with one arm
- Let affected arm hang relaxed
- Make small circles, forward/back motions
- 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times daily
Tip: Move without pain. If an exercise hurts, stop and consult your physio.