Isn't being on all fours/table top bad?

So we know there are few exercises in your program where you will start on all fours... but is that ok? What about the affect on intra-abdominal pressure?

In very 'strong' on-all-fours position like planks or push-ups for instance, the muscular work required to maintain it is much greater than when we are on all fours in the 'Lamp Post Pee' position.

Self assessment applies all the same..all the signs and feelings you learn to watch out for - straining, feeling like you're 'falling out the front' etc are all relevant.  So if you are feeling these - you can come in a move like the Lamp Post Pee, come down to and stay on your elbows instead.

It's all a matter of progression - being in an 'on all fours' position resting on your elbows, exerts less pressure than on hands and knees which in turn exerts a lot less pressure than a plank where your body is unsupported. 

On hands and knees, for sure the core is not being literally held (against gravity) by anything, but nor is it being strained or required to support 'work' or load. There is only work to perform the actual exercise, which starts as a VERY small movement.

We are gradually and gently coaching the core to be functional, from a safe position. A plank or push up position on the other hand requires significant core work to maintain. 

There's a jump between between the two versions of the Lamp Post Pee move... and a huge jump again from that to a plank. Which is why MUTU starts at one end of the spectrum and takes you through 4 phases of restoration and strength building, and still doesn't get to even a half plank by the end! 

Remember we're not ruling out perfectly functional, natural or useful body positions, and saying 'don't / never do that', we're taking everything back to a safe, foundation level from which the core can re-learn, restore and get strong