Build Leg Strength with Side To Side Hop

Side To Side Hop

Rep Range

Time Based

Hints

Maintain your feet pressed firmly together throughout the entire movement, which will engage stabilizing muscles and enhance the challenge of the exercise. The slight bend in your knees aids in both shock absorption and providing a spring-like mechanism for the next hop. Your bent elbows and forward hands not only offer a counterbalance during the side-to-side movement but also aid in rhythm and momentum. As you engage in the hops, envision the gliding and rhythmic motion of a skier. This visual will help synchronize the movements of your upper and lower body, enhancing the fluidity and effectiveness of the exercise.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is allowing the feet to drift apart during the hops, which can diminish the challenge and effectiveness of the workout. Avoid leaning excessively forward or backward; maintaining an upright posture ensures proper muscle engagement and reduces the risk of injury. Ensure your core remains engaged and taut throughout to provide stability and generate power for the hops.

Breathing

It's crucial to breathe rhythmically to maintain a consistent pace and enhance endurance. Inhale as you prepare to hop to one side, and exhale as you land and ready yourself for the opposite direction. This breathing pattern ensures that your muscles are oxygenated and can sustain the activity for longer durations.

Muscle Focus

Primary Focus Area

Cardiovascular System

Secondary Focus Area

Lower Body, Core, Shoulders, Traps, Levator Scapulae, Rhomboids, Infraspinatus, Teres Major, Teres Minor, Latissimus Dorsi, Lower Back, Erector Spinae