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.

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.

As the name implies, rotational core exercises involve twisting the torso and hips to engage the core muscles. “These exercises use isotonic contractions, meaning the muscles lengthen and shorten ...

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. ...