Kneeling Straight Leg Side Kick
On the hands and one knee, lift the other leg, kept straight, out to the side and up; the side of the hip does the lifting while the torso stays level.
How to do it
Setup
On all fours on one knee, hands under the shoulders, the working leg straight out to the side with the toes on the floor.
Steps
- Lift the straight leg out to the side as high as the hips stay level.
- Hold it for a beat, toes pointing forward.
- Lower the foot back to the floor; finish the leg, switch.
Common mistakes
Tilting the whole torso to lift the leg higher: the hips stay square; the range is what the hip allows. Letting the knee soften as the leg rises: lock it straight for the whole lift. Toes turning up to the ceiling: the foot faces forward so the side of the hip does the work.
Breathing
Exhale lifting, inhale lowering.
