This morning, I put up an article explaining how to do the bridge exercise. After reading it, Bud Gibson asked:

So, what does this exercise do for me? Is it supposed to work on abs and core strength? That�s what the description suggests. I like the illustration and form advice. I could do the exercise from them.

The bridge exercise does work your abs and core strength, as well as your back and buttocks. The bridge exercise takes a lot of work to stabilize your body in this position, and a lot of muscles come into play in order to keep you from moving. The burn is mostly felt in the abs, but this exercise is not a magic fat melter. The bridge exercise works on building up your strength so that you can more easily support yourself when you bend over to pick up a weight and keeps you from throwing out your back. The bridge exercise is often used as part of physical therapy for people who have had back problems in an effort to safely restore strength and prevent recurrances.

One of the things that I love about doing the bridge exercise is that anybody can do it. It is easy to build up to more advanced positions and for longer durations as you gain experience and fitness. Because there is no movement involved, it is very easy and safe to do.

For another safe exercise that can be worked into any program from beginner to advanced, try negative pullups.