This move helps you sidestep pain & tightness by strengthening the hip flexors that get weak and lazy from sitting at work, in the car, and on the couch.
HOW TO DO IT:
- Place a small exercise band around your thighs, just above the knees
- Step your left leg out to your side to create light tension in the band
- Bend knees and hips slightly, like a partial squat
- Keep knees over your feet to maintain tension, don’t let them cave inward
- Take a big step to your left to really stretch the band
- Slowly (SLOWLY!!!) step your right leg inward toward the left
- IMPORTANT: Control the speed of the trailing leg – make slow steps!
- Keep toes pointing straight forward
- Repeat for 5-10 steps in one direction
- Switch directions and sidestep to your right
- Keep going back and forth until your hips are on fire!
NO BANDS?
- Lean your right shoulder against a wall
- Keep your legs straight and slowly lift your left leg straight out to your side
- Keep toes pointing straight forward
- Hold for a second at top
- Slowly lower it to starting position
- Repeat until you can’t lift it any more
- Switch sides
- Gear up with our recommended exercise bands here
MAKE IT COUNT:
- Do as many as you can
- Literally – keep going until your hips are on 🔥🔥🔥
MAKE IT EASIER:
- Use a lighter band
- Take shorter steps
- Place the band around your ankles
- Start without bands (see “No Bands?” instructions)
MAKE IT HARDER:
- Use a heavier band
- Take longer steps
- Add a second set where you lift one leg inward, across in front of the other (then switch, alternating legs)
MAKE IT FUN:
- Share this with a friend so you have a workout buddy!
PRACTICAL USES:
- Catching your balance if you get knocked sideways
- Darting out of the way of danger
- Sneaky soccer moves
- Balancing while pulling on your pants
- Doing the Stanky Leg
- Line dancing
- Side kicks
- Leading off from first base
DISCLAIMER: To reduce the risk of injury, before beginning this or any exercise program, please consult a healthcare provider to ensure you are able to safely participate in this or any exercise program. All exercise programs carry some risk of injury.
If you engage in this exercise or exercise program and/or use any information provided by Squirrel Fitness, LLC, regardless of where or how you access it, you agree that you do so at your own risk, are voluntarily participating in these activities, assume all risk of injury to yourself, and agree to release and discharge Squirrel Fitness, LLC, from any and all claims or causes of action, known or unknown, arising out of your participation in activities with Squirrel Fitness, LLC.