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Resistance Band Bird Dog with RNT

Intermediate
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Resistance band bird dog with reactive neuromuscular training targets core, glutes, and erectors for enhanced stability and neuromuscular control; used to correct movement patterns and build dynamic trunk stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Shoulders, Lats

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Stability
Rehab
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

5/10

Anterior Delts

Lats

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Start in quadruped position on mat with wrists under shoulders and knees under hips, neutral spine. Loop light resistance band around one foot and hold opposite hand to create gentle pull.

  1. Engage core to brace spine.
  2. Extend opposite arm forward with thumb up, keeping shoulder stable.
  3. Simultaneously extend banded leg back from hip, toes pointed.
  4. Reach arm and leg long while resisting band's pull.
  5. Maintain hips and shoulders level to floor.
  6. Hold extended position 2-3 seconds, focusing on stability.
  7. Slowly return to start, then switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Reach long, don't lift.
  • Resist the band's pull.
  • Keep spine neutral.
  • Hips square to floor.
  • Move slow and controlled.

Breathing

Inhale to prepare, exhale during extension and hold while bracing core.

Tempo

3-2-2

Range of Motion

Extend arm to shoulder height forward and leg to hip height back without rotating pelvis or arching spine; full reach until torso stable.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Maintain neutral spine to avoid lumbar stress.
  • Use light band to prevent compensation.
  • Inspect band for damage before use.
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs.
  • Kneel on mat for knee comfort.

Spotting

No spotting needed; self-monitor form using mirror if available.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back.
  • Rotating hips or shoulders.
  • Allowing band to dictate path.
  • Rushing the movement.
  • Dropping limbs on return.

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Shoulder instability
  • Recent spinal injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Neutral spine maintenance
  • Hip extension range
  • Shoulder flexion to 90 degrees

Build Up First

  • Master basic bird dog
  • Core bracing competency
  • Understand RNT principle

Also known as

Banded Bird Dog RNT, RNT Bird Dog, Resistance Band Quadruped Extension

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