Home

Related Reading

Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us

The Bridge Exercise

The bridge exercise is often done as part of a yoga or Pilates class. It strengthens the abdominal core, buttocks, and hamstrings. Another benefit of the exercise is that it helps keep your spine aligned and your back stable when walking. Ask your physical therapist to demonstrate the exercise, if needed.

Woman demonstrates the bridge position.

Here's how it's done:

  • Lie flat on the floor with your knees bent. Keep your feet and palms flat on the floor with feet hip-width apart.

  • Pull in and tighten your stomach muscles and your buttocks. Gently breathe out (exhale) as you raise your buttocks and hips off the floor. There should be a straight line between your knees and shoulders. Don't raise your hips too high. This can cause arching in your lower back. 

  • Hold the position for 5 seconds. Breathe in (inhale) as you slowly lower your hips to the floor. Repeat 10 times or as instructed. 

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.