Being able to keep your balance helps maintain your confidence in preventing potential falls.
The Lateral Leg Raise requires the smaller and sometimes lazy muscles of the bottom and hip to contribute to a movement. This makes it a great exercise to maintain strength in the hips and feel more stable on your feet.
- With good posture stand by a chair or to the side of a kitchen bench.
- While maintaining level hips, raise one leg laterally (out to the side),leading with the heel, and the toe pointing forward.
- Only raise the leg as high as is naturally possible without twisting the hips or straining.
- Hold for 2 seconds then lower back down.
- Repeat with the same leg 10-15times, then repeat on the other leg.
- Exhale your breath as you lift your leg each time.
If you decrease your reliance on the chair/bench, there’s an increased challenge for your balance.
As always what has been suggested is general information and doesn’t take into account an individuals limitations or needs. Seek a medical opinion to see if this exercise is appropriate for you.
Positive Change Personal Training – encouraging you to be active beyond the short term.
