Single Leg Hip Bridge (straight leg)

The Single Leg Hip Bridge (straight leg) is a fantastic exercise that primarily targets your glutes, hamstrings, and core muscles. It is a variation of the traditional hip bridge exercise, but with the added challenge of performing it on just one leg. This exercise not only helps to strengthen and tone your lower body, but also improves stability and balance. To perform the Single Leg Hip Bridge, start by lying on your back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Extend one leg straight out in front of you, keeping it in line with your hip. Engage your core muscles and squeeze your glutes as you lift your hips off the ground, using the opposite leg to support your body weight. This exercise requires proper form and control to avoid straining your lower back or overworking your quad muscles. It is important to keep your hips level throughout the movement, avoiding any tilting or excessive twisting. Focus on driving through your heel and maintaining a straight line from your shoulders to your knee. To make the Single Leg Hip Bridge more challenging, you can elevate your supporting foot onto a step or bench, or even add resistance by placing a weight or resistance band across your hips. Always listen to your body and make adjustments as needed to ensure you are performing the exercise safely and effectively. Including the Single Leg Hip Bridge (straight leg) in your workout routine can help enhance your overall lower body strength and stability. Remember to incorporate a variety of exercises and maintain a balanced approach to training for optimal results.

Instructions

• Lie down on your back with both legs straight.
• Bend one leg and lift it off the ground, keeping the knee bent.
• Keep your other leg straight and firmly planted on the ground.
• Engage your core muscles and press through the heel of your planted foot to lift your hips off the ground.
• Continue lifting your hips until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your bent knee.
• Hold the position for a brief pause, focusing on squeezing your glutes.
• Slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position.
• Repeat the movement for the desired number of repetitions.
• Switch legs and perform the exercise with the opposite leg.

Tips & Tricks

• Maintain proper alignment throughout the exercise, ensuring that your hips, knees, and ankles are in a straight line.
• Engage your core muscles by drawing your belly button in towards your spine.
• Squeeze the glutes tightly as you lift your hips off the ground to ensure maximum activation of the target muscles.
• Keep your shoulders relaxed and avoid shrugging them up towards your ears.
• Focus on driving through the heel of the foot on the grounded leg to maintain stability and control.
• Avoid excessively arching your lower back during the movement; aim for a neutral spine position.
• Breathe out as you lift your hips off the ground and breathe in as you lower them back down.
• Start with a full range of motion, bringing your hips as high as possible, and gradually increase the difficulty by adding resistance or elevating the non-working leg.
• Avoid using momentum or swinging the leg to perform the exercise; emphasize controlled and deliberate movements.
• Progress gradually and listen to your body; if you experience pain or discomfort, modify the exercise or seek guidance from a fitness professional.