Strengthens the Shoulders, Arms, Core and Back
Searching for an exercise to strengthen and stretch your core, upper, and lower body? Add Downward Dog Leg Lifts to your workout. To help, Bauerfeind’s Sports Achilles Ankle Support provides extra stabilization without reducing flexibility to execute this exercise properly.
- Begin in a traditional Downward Dog position with your arms, back, and legs straight, forming an inverted V-shape. Place hands shoulder-width apart with fingers spread.
- Keeping hips square, raise one leg until it aligns with your back, head, and arms. Keep a slight bend in your knees to prevent injury.
- Hold pose for 1-2 breaths, then lower leg while shifting torso forward until your head rests directly above your arms.
- Press into the mat and shift your torso back to Downward Dog. Engage your core, stretch your back and neck. Lift your leg.
- Repeat with the same leg for 3-5 reps, depending on physical endurance, then switch to the opposite leg for 3-5 reps.
Primary muscles: Shoulders, Arms, Core, and Back
Secondary muscles: Hamstrings, Calves and Glutes
About Olympic Gold Medalist Thomas Roehler:
Thomas Roehler is a professional track and field athlete competing in javelin throw. He is a 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist with a personal best of 93.90 m. With a passion about fitness Thomas is showing us some of his favorite exercise to start the year with healthy habits and achieve your goals whether you are just getting started or have been working out for a long time.
