Embrace your inner ape.
But before we became bipedal, we moved more like our apelike ancestorson four limbs.
Enter the lateral gorilla walk exercise.
Read: it totally tests our strength, balance, and coordination.
Ready to get your gorilla walk on?
Sure, you might feel a little silly at first, but thats part of the fun.
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Here are just a few reasons to add it to your regular workout routine.
Develops hip mobility
Most of usspend our days sitting,a lot.
And when we do move, we usually stick to forward and backward motions.
But this limited movement does a number on our hips.
Ourhip flexors often grow shorter, tighter, and stiffer as a result.
Turns out, walking like a gorilla is great forhip mobilityand range of motion.
So does working in multiple planes of motion, Pope says.
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You might also notice that youre steadier and/or more coordinated on one side of your body than the other.
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The more you practice, the more your weaker side will catch up.
Strengthens your shoulders
Walking on all fours gives gorillas seriousshoulder strength.
Doing this exercise will do the same for you.
Dont be surprised if your upper body feels fatigued pretty quickly.
The lateral gorilla walk is like an antidote to tight wrists.
During the exercise, your wrists move through multiple planes of motion, Pope says.
This stretches them in new ways, increasing their flexibility and range of motion.
Ramps up your heart rate
Did we mention gorilla walksget your heart pumping?
This takesa lotof exertion.
Plan on sweating and sucking wind.
Reveals muscle imbalances and weaknesses
Think of the gorilla walk exercise like a diagnostic tool.
It tends to highlight and identify muscular tension, tightness, and weakness.
They can design a safe training program to target your specific fitness needs and goals.
How to modify the gorilla walk exercise
This movement is an advanced exercise, Pope says.
It can be really challenging depending on your current fitness level and limitations.
Still, dont be discouraged if you havent gotten theswingof it yet (pun intended).
you’re free to always work up to it.
The best way to modify the movement is by simply breaking down the different body positions, Pope says.
First, you want to get comfortable with sitting in a deep low squat, Pope says.
Trypracticing deep squats, keeping your feet flat to the ground and maintaining an upright posture.
Then, break down the next phase of the movement into two parts, Pope says.
First, practice swinging your arms across your body and planting your fists on the floor.
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