Planes of motion refer to three directions of movement known as sagittal, frontal and transverse planes. Here's why they're important during exercise, and how to program for them.

The third plane, transverse, is often overlooked in training plans but it's important to practice. Rotational exercises train your body to turn efficiently by engaging the obliques (side abs).

That twisting motion occurs in the transverse plane. South_agency // Getty Images Many traditional gym exercises occur in one plane, but med ball movements are unique in that they’re multi-planar.

Sit-ups and crunches are great for targeting the rectus abdominis on the front of the stomach but they don’t recruit the deeper muscles within the core, like the transverse ... planes," Dr. Gaubert ...

Here’s a series of four simple yet effective exercises you can do daily from the comfort of your couch — it covers all planes of motion and major muscle groups.

Transverse (axial) plane: separates the upper (superior) ... Considering it’s one of the most common planes of motion, there are many exercises that move in the sagittal (longitudinal) plane.

The rotational component develops transverse plane strength neglected in traditional pressing. The standing position creates core engagement lacking in bench-based exercises.

Workouts to boost performance on the court move the body in all directions, ... (transverse plane), so a workout for a tennis player would look a little different," he said. ...

Discover 6 dumbbell moves for a full-body workout at home. Skip the gym, save time, and build strength with one dumbbell.

Next was a more complete exercise —and one that is often missed—the Transverse Plane. This is any sort of exercise with a twist or rotation, and it is proven to improve core stability, balance ...