Skaters

Skaters are a plyometric lower body exercise that build strength, endurance, and power in the thighs, hips, and glutes. This exercise requires a lot of balance, and helps improve core strength, balance, agility, and coordination.

Skater jumps build stability in the hips, knees, and ankles. This explosive move also gets the heart rate up, making it a great cardio exercise.

Skaters are also known as side hops, skater jumps, and speed skaters.

How to Do
Skaters

Starting position: Stand tall with your chest up, back straight, knees slightly bent, and your feet shoulder-width apart. Engage your core.

• Jump to the right and land with a slight bend in your knees. As you jump lean forward, swing your left leg behind you and your left arm in front your body.
• Next repeat on the other side – jump to the left, swing your right leg behind you, and bring your right arm in front of you.
• Keep hopping from side-to-side, transferring your weight from one side of your body to the other as you do this.

Breath: Do not hold your breath.

Use your arms to help propel you as you jump. Using your arms effectively will also help you keep your balance and make your movements smooth.

Keep an upright posture, with your chest up and your shoulders back throughout the entire exercise. Land with soft knees and control.

Variations: Skaters are explosive and challenging. For an easier version try skater steps, in which you step instead of jump from side to side, and allow your back leg to touch the floor. Alternatively, start with the lateral lunge.

Skaters also be made harder or easier by changing the speed and the size of the jumps. You can makes smaller hops or large bounds. However, don’t make the jumps too challenging. While you want to move explosively, it’s also important to maintain control and balance to avoid injury and get the most from this exercise.

Therefore, start with smaller jumps and slowly increase the difficulty as you become more skilled and accustomed to the movement.