Exercises to build a powerful low stance
Action sports emphasize the importance of having a powerful low stance. The ability to change direction quickly and adjust to bumps and obstacles while in a low stance, can be increased markedly by training the muscle groups involved in the movements.
Trained athletes do not have to think about this – they react unconsciously while their focus is on the next hit, turn, jump or obstacle. Professional surfers like Kelly Slater are able to maintain a powerful connection to their equipment while at speed and past the tipping point of an untrained persons centre of gravity.
You can test this by crouching low in a squat position and having a friend give you a gentle push. How low can you go and still move your feet, to stop yourself tipping over?
The Rooboard creates the vital instability to perform these powerful low stance exercises on a flat platform – like a surfboard or snowboard.
Use the exercises below as a single workout or add these to your existing leg strength routine, to build dynamic strength and balance.
Single leg speed squats
Single leg decline squat
Narrow leg balance squat
Single leg calf raises
Instability lunge
