Skater hops: Reasons why it's must-do for balance and power
What's the story
Skater hops are a great exercise for improving balance and building lower-body strength. The lateral movement mimics skating, which works out different muscle groups. This dynamic exercise can be easily added to your workout routine to improve coordination, agility, and endurance. Whether an athlete or just someone looking to stay fit, skater hops can be a great addition to your fitness regimen.
#1
Understanding skater hops
Skater hops involve jumping from one side to the other, landing on one foot each time. The movement mimics the motion of skating, hence the name. This exercise mainly works out the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. It also improves core stability as you need to engage your abdominal muscles to maintain balance during the jumps.
#2
Benefits of skater hops
Skater hops provide a number of benefits beyond just strengthening muscles. They improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate during the workout. The lateral motion helps improve coordination and agility, which are essential for sports and daily activities. Skater hops also improve joint stability by working out the muscles around the knees and ankles.
#3
Proper technique for skater hops
To do skater hops properly, start by standing with feet hip-width apart. Bend slightly at the knees before jumping sideways to land on one foot while the other leg goes behind you for balance. Make sure your landing is soft to avoid injury, and keep your core engaged throughout the movement.
Tip 1
Incorporating skater hops into your routine
To add skater hops to your workout routine, start with three sets of 10 jumps per side as a beginner. As you get comfortable with the movement, increase the number of repetitions or add variations such as single-leg skater hops or incorporating them into high-intensity interval training sessions for an added challenge.