Yep, we can make that guarantee, because that's when you're going to
feel the effects of this ass-shaping, thigh-toning sculptor. Which means
it's working.
Fitness Rules Fit People Follow
The idea: A pistol squat is incredible for strengthening your lower half -- but also incredibly tough to do. (Did it look easy in those photos? It did to me the first time I saw one...then I tried it. Or more accurately, I collapsed on the floor.) You need strength, balance and flexibility. This morning I learned a cool way to scale it back so you can build up to a perfect pistol—simultaneously tightening everything from your waist down.
The move and progressions are brought to you by Chris Cunningham, CrossFit Level 1 coach at CrossFit NYC (where I'm currently spending a lot of mornings). Your model is SELF's associate fitness editor Jaclyn Emerick. Let's all take one second to have serious leg envy.
Lunge back on your right leg, dropping right knee to floor, extending arms in front of you; make sure your left shin is vertical and your back is straight. With your weight in your left heel, drive your right knee up and out (it can tend to track in if you're not careful) until you're standing with your right knee raised. Do 5 sets of 5 reps on each leg. Right now! You know you want to. Continue a couple times a week.
Fact or Fiction? These Fitness Myths Will Surprise You
Get in the same starting position, except this time, your right shin is on the floor with your sneaker-laces down. Because this one's tougher, you can hinge forward a little if you need, Cunningham says. Press hard into your left heel as you drive your knee up to standing. Again, 5 sets of 5 reps on each leg (go head, test yourself; we'll wait). Aim for a couple times a week.
Nail this, and you're ready to try the pistol squat (that was this beast, remember). You're in the go-to starting position, but the only thing on the floor is your right knee, right foot raised behind you. "Take a deep breath, lean forward and drive your right knee up aggressively with your arms out like you're reaching for something," Cunningham suggests. That something is called pride, folks. If, after reading this, you can manage 5 sets of 5 reps on each leg, tweet me. We're always looking for new, ripped fitness models.
Fitness Rules Fit People Follow
The idea: A pistol squat is incredible for strengthening your lower half -- but also incredibly tough to do. (Did it look easy in those photos? It did to me the first time I saw one...then I tried it. Or more accurately, I collapsed on the floor.) You need strength, balance and flexibility. This morning I learned a cool way to scale it back so you can build up to a perfect pistol—simultaneously tightening everything from your waist down.
The move and progressions are brought to you by Chris Cunningham, CrossFit Level 1 coach at CrossFit NYC (where I'm currently spending a lot of mornings). Your model is SELF's associate fitness editor Jaclyn Emerick. Let's all take one second to have serious leg envy.
First, try this:
Lunge back on your right leg, dropping right knee to floor, extending arms in front of you; make sure your left shin is vertical and your back is straight. With your weight in your left heel, drive your right knee up and out (it can tend to track in if you're not careful) until you're standing with your right knee raised. Do 5 sets of 5 reps on each leg. Right now! You know you want to. Continue a couple times a week.
Fact or Fiction? These Fitness Myths Will Surprise You
Oh, that was super simple? Then try this:
Get in the same starting position, except this time, your right shin is on the floor with your sneaker-laces down. Because this one's tougher, you can hinge forward a little if you need, Cunningham says. Press hard into your left heel as you drive your knee up to standing. Again, 5 sets of 5 reps on each leg (go head, test yourself; we'll wait). Aim for a couple times a week.
I'm ridiculously strong. Give me a real challenge:
Nail this, and you're ready to try the pistol squat (that was this beast, remember). You're in the go-to starting position, but the only thing on the floor is your right knee, right foot raised behind you. "Take a deep breath, lean forward and drive your right knee up aggressively with your arms out like you're reaching for something," Cunningham suggests. That something is called pride, folks. If, after reading this, you can manage 5 sets of 5 reps on each leg, tweet me. We're always looking for new, ripped fitness models.
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