Trying exercises that make you move sideways, known as lateral training, is a great way to improve your performance in sports. It helps you become faster and have more control over your movements. Lateral training has many benefits, including boosting cardio fitness, making you more robust and agile, improving balance, and reducing the risk of getting hurt.
What Makes Sideways Movement Special?
Usually, we move forward or backward when we exercise. Many joint exercises, like squats and lunges, focus on moving in a straight line. This means we repeatedly strengthen the same big muscles while the smaller ones don’t get much attention.
By including side-to-side movements, we work on smaller muscles that help keep us stable. These include the muscles around our hips, pelvis, and thighs, which are crucial for avoiding injuries.
Preventing Injuries
Lateral exercises can keep you safe by strengthening the muscles and joints around essential areas like hips, knees, ankles, and feet. These are parts that don’t get less attention in regular workouts. Strengthening hips with lateral exercises, like sidestepping, can reduce knee pain and make them more resistant to strain.
Improving Balance and Coordination
Moving sideways requires good balance, coordination, and strength. It’s not just about going left and right; it’s about doing it smoothly and in control.
Adding Variety
Lateral training is good for your mind, too. It adds variety to your routine and teaches your brain to react quickly to different movements.
Who Can Benefit from Lateral Training?
It’s not just for athletes. You use lateral movements daily, like sidestepping around someone on the sidewalk. It helps you be more agile in everyday situations.
Give It a Try!
Here are two easy lateral exercises you can do anywhere, anytime, without special equipment. They’re part of this week’s TOW “Shell Shocked.”
- Low Side Step to Power Jump:
- This move works your hips, thighs, and glutes, giving you power for a substantial jump.
- Side to Side Grenade Throw:
- This exercise challenges your core, raises your heart rate, and improves stability, balance, and coordination.
Including lateral training in your routine can make your workouts more effective and enjoyable. It’s a simple way to boost your overall fitness and prevent injuries.
FAQS
What are sideways exercise techniques?
Sideways exercise techniques involve incorporating lateral movements into your workout routine. Instead of just moving forward and backward, you’ll be adding side-to-side movements, engaging different muscle groups for a more comprehensive workout.
Why should I include sideways exercises in my routine?
Sideways exercises help target muscles that may be overlooked in traditional workouts. They enhance overall muscle balance, improve agility, and reduce the risk of injury by working on different planes of motion.
What types of sideways exercises can I do?
Some examples include side lunges, lateral leg raises, side plank variations, and lateral shuffles. These exercises are simple, effective, and can be adapted to various fitness levels.
How often should I incorporate sideways exercises into my workout?
It’s recommended to include sideways exercises at least 2-3 times a week. However, the frequency can vary based on your fitness goals and overall exercise routine.
Can sideways exercises help with weight loss?
Yes, sideways exercises can contribute to weight loss by increasing calorie burn and promoting a more well-rounded approach to fitness. Combined with a balanced diet, these exercises can support your weight loss journey.
conclusion
In conclusion, adding sideways exercise techniques to your fitness routine is a fantastic way to maximize your results. By incorporating lateral movements, you engage different muscles, improve overall balance, and reduce the risk of injuries. Sideways exercises are versatile, suitable for various fitness levels, and can contribute to weight loss when combined with a healthy diet. So, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, pay attention to the power of sideways movements for a well-rounded and effective workout.
