Appears in642 Workouts*

Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive

Work your core and improve balance with this fun, ballet-inspired exercise! Tone your obliques and legs with each rep.

The Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive mainly works the core, with help from the hip abductors (outer thighs) and back. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

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Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive Muscles Worked

Primary

Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Obliques

Secondary

Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Lats (latissimus dorsi)

How to do the Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive

Standing Ballerina Alternate Side Knee Drive

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart.

    • Engage your core and keep your back straight.

    • Raise both arms overhead, reaching for the ceiling with your fingers.

  2. Initiate the Movement:

    • As you balance on your right leg, lift your left knee towards your chest.

    • Simultaneously, bend your body slightly to the right, creating an arc with your left arm reaching over your head.

  3. Alternate Side:

    • Lower your left leg back down to the starting position.

    • Return to an upright position.

    • Repeat the movement on the opposite side: lift your right knee while bending your body to the left, and reach your right arm over your head.

  4. Repetitions:

    • Continue alternating sides for 10-15 repetitions on each leg.

  5. Tips:

    • Keep your movements controlled and maintain your balance.

    • Focus on engaging your core muscles for stability.

    • If you find it difficult to balance, you can use a chair or wall for support until you gain confidence.

Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive FAQs

What muscles does the Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive work?

The Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive mainly works the core, with help from the hip abductors (outer thighs) and back. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and obliques.

What equipment do you need for the Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive?

None. The Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What are some Alternating Standing Side Knee Ballerina Drive variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Alternating Side Knee Raise Reach, Alternating Straight-Leg Raise, Alternating Celebratory Knee Drife and Balloon Drill.

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