Preparation
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Bend and Reach
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Rear Lunge
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High Jumper
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Rower
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Squat Bender
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Windmill
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Forward Lunge
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Prone Row
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Bent-Leg Body Twist
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Push-Up
Bend and Reach
The Bend and Reach is the first exercise in Preparation. By flexing the trunk, hips, and knees, and extending the shoulders, the Bend and Reach prepares you for more vigorous activity such as squatting, rolling, and climbing. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Bend and Reach is the Straddle Stance position with the arms overhead, elbows fully extended, palms facing inward, fingers and thumbs extended and joined.
- On count 1, move from the starting position into a partial squat with the heels remaining on the ground. Round the spine to allow the arms to reach as far as possible between the legs. The neck flexes to tuck the chin and head and to allow you to look to the rear.
- On count 2, return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
Rear Lunge
The Rear Lunge is the second exercise in Preparation. This exercise promotes flexibility, strength, and balance in the hip and leg. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Rear Lunge is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
- On count 1, keeping hands on hips, take an exaggerated step backwards with the left leg, touching down with the ball of the foot placed directly back from the starting position. The heel should be off the ground, and a stretch should be felt in the front of the left hip and thigh. If not, allow the body to continue to lower to increase flexibility.
- On count 2, return to the starting position, maintaining the same distance between the feet as used in the Straddle Stance.
- On count 3, repeat count 1 with the right leg.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
High Jumper
The High Jumper is the third exercise in Preparation. This exercise promotes correct jumping, landing, balance, and coordination, and it prepares you to build explosive strength. Conduct the movement at a moderate cadence:
- The starting position for the High Jumper is the Forward Leaning Stance, palms facing inwards, fingers and thumbs extended and joined.
- On count 1, swing the arms forward until they are parallel to the ground. At the same time, jump a few inches vertically.
- On count 2, land softly on the balls of the feet and return to the starting position. Maintain the same distance between the feet as during the Forward Leaning Stance.
- On count 3, swing the arms vigorously forward and overhead to unweight the upper body. At the same time, jump forcefully straight up from the ground.
- On count 4, land softly on the balls of the feet and return to the starting position.
Rower
The Rower is the fourth exercise in Preparation. This exercise improves abdominal strength and total body coordination. It prepares you to move from the Supine to Sitting positions and exercises in Conditioning Workouts and Climbing Workouts.
Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Rower is the Supine position with arms overhead, feet together and pointing up. The head is 1–2 inches off the ground to work muscles in the front of the neck. Arms are overhead with hands at shoulder width, palms facing inward with fingers and thumbs extended and joined.
- On count 1, sit up while bending at the hip and knees and swinging arms forward until they are parallel to the ground. At the end of this count, the feet are flat on the ground with knees positioned between the arms. The arms are parallel to the ground.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
- Perform 5–10 repetitions.
Squat Bender
The Squat Bender is the fifth exercise in Preparation. This exercise develops strength, endurance, and flexibility in the lower back and thigh muscles. It prepares you to use proper lifting technique in more vigorous training and testing events that require heavy lifts. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Squat Bender is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
- On count 1, squat while leaning slightly forward from the waist, keeping the head up and moving both arms to a position in front of the body and parallel to the ground. Palms face inwards.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, with the knees slightly bent, bend forward at the waist. Maintain the head in alignment with the spine and keep the spine straight. Reach toward the ground until a stretch is felt in the back of the thighs.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
- Perform 5–10 repetitions.
Windmill
The Windmill is the sixth exercise in Preparation. This exercise develops the ability to safely bend and simultaneously rotate the trunk. It requires flexibility in the spine and coordination of the shoulder girdle. It prepares you to use proper movement technique in more vigorous training, testing, and work tasks. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Windmill is the Straddle Stance position with arms straight out to the side. Fingers and thumbs are extended and joined, palms are facing down.
- On count 1, bend the hips and knees while rotating the trunk to the left. Reach down to touch the outside of the left foot with the right hand and look to the rear. The left arm is pulled rearward to maintain alignment across the shoulders with the right arm.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1, this time to the right.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
- Perform 5–10 repetitions.
Forward Lunge
The Forward Lunge is the seventh exercise in Preparation. This exercise develops balance and leg strength. It prepares you to use proper movement technique to perform lifts such as a litter carry. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Forward Lunge is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
- On count 1, take a step forward with the left leg until the left heel is 3–6 inches ahead of the right foot. At the same time, bend at the hips and knees to lunge forward, keeping the back straight. Do not look down and do not bring the feet closer together.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1, this time stepping forward with the right foot.
Prone Row
The Prone Row is the eighth exercise in Preparation. This exercise develops the strength of the neck, upper back, and shoulders. It prepares you to tolerate weight across the shoulders and neck. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Prone Row is the Prone position with arms overhead, palms down, fingers and thumbs extended and joined. Arms are lifted 1–2 inches from the ground and toes are pointed to the rear.
- On count 1, raise the head and chest slightly while lifting the arms and pulling them rearward. Make hands into fists as they move toward the shoulders.
- Feet stay together and on the ground. Arms and hands are off the ground.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position. Arms and hands remain off the ground.
- On count 3, repeat count 1.
Bent-Leg Body Twist
The Bent-Leg Body Twist is the ninth exercise in Preparation. This exercise strengthens the trunk and hip muscles while promoting control of trunk rotation. It is a safe way to prepare for loaded trunk movements in more vigorous training, testing and work tasks. Conduct the movement at a slow cadence:
- The starting position for the Bent-Leg Body Twist is the Supine position with the hips and knees bent to 90 degrees, arms straight out to the side, palms on the ground. The knees and feet are together.
- On count 1, rotate the legs to the left while keeping the upper back and arms in place on the ground. The legs drop together toward the ground.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1, this time rotating the legs to the right.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
Push-Up
The Push-Up is the final exercise in Preparation. This exercise strengthens the muscles of the chest, shoulders, arms, and trunk. When conducted to standard, it is a safe way to prepare for more vigorous pushing motions required in training, testing, and work tasks. Conduct the movement at a moderate cadence:
- The starting position for the Push-Up is the Front Leaning Rest. Hands are directly beneath the shoulders with fingers spread. Feet are together. The body forms a straight line from the top of the head to the heels. Maintain this position throughout the exercise.
- On count 1, bend the elbows, lowering the body until the upper arms are parallel to the ground.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1.
Activity
Bent-Leg Raise
The Bent-Leg Raise is the first exercise in Four for the Core. This exercise improves awareness of spinal control while moving the legs. The hand position under the back and not the pelvis, places heavy emphasis on the strength of the core muscles of the abdomen, not the hip flexor muscles. Below is a breakdown of the movement which is performed for a count of 60 secs.
- The starting position for the Bent-Leg Raise is the supine position with knees bent to 90 degrees, feet flat on the ground. Hands are placed under the SMALL OF THE BACK, not the pelvis, with palms on the ground. Head is 2-4 inches off the ground.
- On the command of “ready, EXERCISE,” raise both feet from the ground until both knees and hips flex to 90 degrees. While concentrating on the amount of pressure placed on the hands from the spine, slowly straighten the legs. Maintain this pressure for up to 60 secs.
- If the pressure on the hands reduces or you need to rest, bring the knees back to the chest for 3-5 secs until resuming the effort.
- On the command of “starting position, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Side Bridge
The Side Bridge is the second exercise in Four for the Core. This exercise isolates one side of the trunk at a time. It strengthens all the muscles on the side nearest the ground - from the spine to the side of the trunk and pelvis. It is a safe way to contract the obliques and the hip abductors without compressing or loading the spine. Below is a breakdown of the movement which is performed for a count of 60 secs.
- The starting position for the Side Bridge is laying on the left side with upper body off the ground, supported by the left shoulder. The left elbow is on the ground directly beneath the shoulder. The legs are straight with the left foot resting ON TOP of the right foot. The right arm rests on the trunk, elbow flexed to allow the right hand to rest on the abdomen.
- On the command of “ready, EXERCISE,” raise the trunk off the ground until the trunk, pelvis and legs form a straight line when viewed from the front and top. Head stays aligned with the spine.
- Hold this position for 60 secs.
- To rest, return to the starting position for 3-5 secs until resuming the effort.
- On the command of “starting position, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command of “change position, ready, EXERCISE,” swing the legs and body through the sitting position to lay on the right side. Repeat the exercise on the right.
Back Bridge
The Back Bridge is the third exercise in Four for the Core. This exercise strengthens the muscles on the spine, buttocks, and hamstrings – the posterior chain. Below is a breakdown of the movement which is performed for a count of 60 secs.
- The starting position for the Back Bridge is the Supine position with arms out to the side at 45 degrees and knees bent to 90 degrees. Feet are flat on the ground.
- On the command of “ready, EXERCISE,” raise the buttocks off the ground while straightening the left knee until the trunk, pelvis and left leg forms a straight line when viewed from the side. Head remains on the ground.
- Hold this position for 5 secs. On the command of “change position,” switch legs.
- Repeat the switch every 5 secs for a total of 6 repetitions.
- On the command of “starting position, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Quadraplex
The Quadraplex is the final exercise in Four for the Core. This exercise improves balance, coordination and strength of core muscles in the posterior chain. Below is a breakdown of the movement which is performed for a count of 60 secs.
- The starting position for the Quadraplex is six-point position with the knees on the ground beneath the hips.
- On the command of “ready, EXERCISE,” raise the left leg and right hand until they are both straight and parallel to the ground.
- Head stays aligned with the spine. DO not let the low back, shoulder and trunk sag. Stay tall on the supporting shoulder.
- Hold this position for 60 secs.
- To rest, return to the starting position for 3-5 secs until resuming the effort.
- On the command of “starting position, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command of “change position, ready, EXERCISE,” repeat the exercise on the right.
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Sumo Squat
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Straight-Leg Deadlift
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Forward Lunge
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8-Count Step-Up
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Pull-Up
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Straight-Arm Pull
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Supine Chest Press
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Bent-Over Row
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Overhead Push-Press
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Supine Body Twist
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Leg Tuck
Sumo Squat
The Sumo Squat is the first exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. The starting position for the Sumo Squat is the Straddle Stance position with the feet slightly wider than the shoulders and the toes pointing outward. Hold a single kettlebell with both hands in front of the body, palms pronated to face the body. The cadence is always slow:
- On count 1, squat while leaning slightly forward from the waist with the head up. Move downward until the upper legs are parallel to the ground.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
- Complete one minute of repetitions, stopping to rest if necessary, or adjusting the weight and range of movement to match the required performance.
Straight-Leg Deadlift
The Straight-Leg Deadlift is the second exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 2 of the Strength Training Circuit. The cadence is always slow:
- The starting position for the Straight-Leg Deadlift is the Straddle Stance position. Hold the kettlebells in front of the legs using a pronated grip. Keep the knees slightly flexed—not locked— and in the same flexed position throughout the exercise.
- On count 1, flex forward from the waist, keeping the head in line with the spine to avoid extending the neck. While keeping the back straight, move down until the back is parallel to the ground. Slightly adjust knee flexion to increase the engagement of the hamstring muscles in the back of the thigh.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1.
- Complete one minute of repetitions, stopping to rest if necessary, or adjusting the weight and range of movement to match the required performance.
Forward Lunge
The Forward Lunge is the third exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 3 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Forward Lunge is the Straddle Stance position. Hold the kettlebells at the sides using a neutral grip.
- On count 1, step forward with the left leg as in the Forward Lunge, allowing the left knee to bend until the left thigh is parallel to the ground. Lean slightly forward from the waist and bring the kettlebells to the left and right sides of the forward leg.
- On count 2, reverse the movement performed in count 1 to return to the starting position.
- On count 3, repeat count 1, stepping forward with the right leg.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
- Complete one minute of repetitions, stopping to rest if necessary, or adjusting the weight and range of movement to match the required performance.
- Complete one minute of repetitions, stopping to rest if necessary, or adjusting the weight and range of movement to match the required performance.
8-Count Step-Up
The 8-Count Step-Up is the fourth exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 1 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the 8-Count Step-Up is the Straddle Stance position. Hold the kettlebells at the sides with a neutral grip.
- On count 1, step up on to a 12- to 18-inch step with the left foot, keeping the kettlebells at the sides of the body.
- On count 2, step up with the right foot.
- On count 3, step down with the left foot.
- On count 4, step down with the right foot.
- On count 5, step up with the right foot, keeping the kettlebells at the sides of the body.
- On count 6, step up with the left foot,
- On count 7, step down with the right foot.
- On count 8, step down with the left foot.
- Complete one minute of repetitions, stopping to rest if necessary, or adjusting the weight and range of movement to match the required performance.
Pull-Up
The Pull-Up is the fifth exercise in the strength training circuit. This exercise develops your ability to climb without using the legs. Perform the exercise in the Strength Training Circuit for up to one minute:
- The starting position for the Pull-Up is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed overhand grip.
- After repeating 5 times, dismount to the Straddle Stance position on the ground.
- On the command, “GO,” flex the elbows, raising the body in a straight line until the head is above the bar.
- If you cannot complete one minute of pull-ups, perform the Straight-Arm Pull.
Straight-Arm Pull
The Straight-Arm Pull is the alternate fifth exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. This exercise develops your ability to pull up without using the legs. Perform the exercise during the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Straight Arm Pull is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed overhand grip.
- After repeating 5 times, dismount to the Straddle Stance position on the ground.
- On count 1, from the starting position and keeping the arms straight, pull the body up using a shrugging motion.
- Repeat the exercise for up to one minute.
Supine Chest Press
The Supine Chest Press is the sixth exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. This exercise strengthens the chest, shoulder, and triceps muscles. It develops your ability to push during more vigorous combatives, testing, and combat tasks. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 6 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Supine Chest Press is the Supine position with knees bent to 90 degrees, feet 8–12 inches apart and flat on the ground. The head and upper arms are resting on the ground.
- Holding a kettlebell of the same weight in each hand using a closed partial pronated grip, bend the elbows to allow the kettlebells to rest on the front of the shoulders.
- On the command, “BEGIN,” extend the elbows to raise the kettlebells straight up in front of the shoulders, rotating to a fully pronated grip.
- Return to the starting position.
- Continue the exercise at own pace for one minute. Increase or decrease the kettlebell weight if necessary, continuing only if the Supine Chest Press movement can be completed to standard.
Bent-Over Row
The Bent-Over Row is the seventh exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. This exercise strengthens the muscles of the upper back, the shoulder girdle, and the biceps. Heavier weight also challenges the muscles in the lower back, gluteal region, and hamstrings. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 7 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Bent-Over Row is the Forward Leaning Stance position with arms hanging in front of the legs. Hold kettlebells of equal weight using a closed neutral grip—palms facing each other.
- On the command, “BEGIN,” bend the elbows to pull the kettlebells toward the chest. The legs, torso, and head remain in their starting positions.
- Continue the exercise at own pace for one minute. Increase or decrease the kettlebell weight if necessary, continuing only if the exercise can be completed to standard.
Overhead Push-Press
The Overhead Push-Press is the eighth exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. This exercise strengthens your triceps and shoulder muscle endurance. This improves your skill in moving heavier weight overhead to build muscular power and strength. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 8 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Overhead Push-Press is the Straddle Stance position. Hold the kettlebells at the collar bones in the rack position, using a closed neutral grip (palms will be facing each other).
- On the command, “BEGIN,” slightly flex the hips and knees into a mini-squat before quickly and forcefully extending the elbows to push the weights overhead. At the top of the movement, the kettlebells will be above the shoulders.
- Continue to look straight ahead throughout the movement.
- Slightly flex the hips and knees into a mini-squat before returning the weight to the starting position. This squat helps to absorb the impact of the weight’s descent.
- Continue the exercise at own pace for one minute. Increase or decrease the kettlebell weight if necessary, continuing only if the exercise can be completed to standard.
Supine Body Twist
The Supine Body Twist is the ninth exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. This exercise strengthens the trunk muscles used for movement in the transverse plane. By keeping the knees together it also strengthens hip adductor muscles often referred to as the groin muscles. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 9 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Supine Body Twist is the Supine position with the hips and knees bent to 90 degrees so that the feet are off the ground. The head is off the ground. One kettlebell is held in front of and off the chest. The kettlebell handle is held by both hands, palms facing each other. The bell portion of the kettlebell is positioned above the stomach, not above the head.
- On the command, “BEGIN,” rotate the kettlebell to the left and the legs to the right as far as possible under control. Keep the weight away from the body and the arms and head off the ground.
- Return to the starting position.
- Repeat the first movement—this time to the opposite side—arms to the right and legs to the left.
- The head may turn with the arms but should not lift more than 2–4 inches from the ground.
- Continue the exercise at own pace for one minute maintaining the range of motion. Increase or decrease the kettlebell weight if necessary, continuing only if the exercise can be completed to standard.
Leg Tuck
The Leg Tuck is the tenth exercise in the Strength Training Circuit. This exercise combines upper body and abdominal strength to develop your ability to hang while moving the legs into different support positions for climbing. Perform the exercise for one minute at station 10 of the Strength Training Circuit:
- The starting position for the Leg Tuck is the Straight-Arm Hang using the closed overhand grip.
- On the command, “BEGIN,” flex the elbows and hips, raising the legs until the thighs touch the elbows.
- Return to the starting position.
- Continue the exercise at own pace for one minute. Stop for 3–5 seconds rest if needed, continuing only if the exercise can be completed to standard.
- On the command, “ROTATE,” return to the first station in the Strength Training Circuit.
Recovery
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Overhead Arm Pull
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Rear Lunge
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Extend and Flex
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Thigh Stretch
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Single-Leg Over
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Groin Stretch
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Calf Stretch
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Hamstring Stretch
Overhead Arm Pull
The Overhead Arm Pull is the first exercise in the Recovery Workout. This exercise develops the flexibility of joints in the arms, shoulders, and trunk. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Overhead Arm Pull is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips. When commanded, “READY, STRETCH,” raise the left arm overhead. Grasp above the left elbow with the right hand and pull to the right, leaning the body to the right. A stretch sensation should be felt in the left triceps muscle and flank. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command, “CHANGE POSITION, READY, STRETCH,” repeat the movement on the right side.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Rear Lunge
The Rear Lunge is the second exercise in the Recovery Workout. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Rear Lunge is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” take an exaggerated step backward with the left leg, touching down with the ball of the foot directly behind the starting position. This creates a stretch sensation in the front of the left thigh and hip area. Back remains straight and gaze remains forward. Hold the position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” take an exaggerated step backward with the right leg, touching down with the ball of the foot directly behind the starting position. This creates a stretch sensation in the front of the right thigh and hip area. The back remains straight and gaze remains forward. Hold the position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Extend and Flex
The Extend and Flex is the third exercise in the Recovery Workout. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Extend and Flex is the Front Leaning Rest position.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” lower the body toward the ground, sagging in the middle while keeping the arms straight. Keep gaze straight ahead—do not look up. This creates a stretch sensation in the hip and abdominal muscles. The legs and low back should be relaxed with toes on the ground and pointing to the rear. Hold the position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command, “CHANGE POSITION, READY, STRETCH,” put bodyweight back on the balls of the feet to support raising the hips up and off the ground. Straighten the legs and try to touch the ground with the heels. Move the head between the arms and look toward the feet. The back remains straight. Hold the position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Thigh Stretch
The Thigh Stretch is the fourth exercise in the Recovery Workout. It develops flexibility in the hip and knee joints. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Thigh Stretch is the Sitting position with the arms at the sides and palms on the floor.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” roll on the right side and place the right elbow and forearm on the ground directly below the shoulder. The right hand makes a fist with the thumb side up. Grasp the left ankle and pull toward the left buttock. Push the left thigh further to the rear with the heel of the right foot. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “CHANGE POSITION, READY, STRETCH,” move back through the starting position before changing sides to stretch the right leg. Hold for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Single-Leg Over
The Single-Leg Over is the fifth exercise in Recovery Workout. This exercise develops flexibility of the hip and low back. Conduct the movement for 30–60 seconds:
- The starting position for the Single-Leg Over is the Supine position with arms straight out to the side on ground with palms down with fingers and thumbs extended and joined. Feet are together with heels on the ground. The head is on the ground.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” bend the left knee to 90 degrees over the right leg and grasp the outside of the left knee with the right hand pulling toward the right. Keep the left shoulder and arm on the ground. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” assume the starting position.
- On the command, “CHANGE POSITION, READY, STRETCH,” bend the right knee to 90 degrees over the left leg and grasp the outside of the right knee with the left hand pulling toward the left. Keep the right shoulder and arm on the ground. Hold this position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Groin Stretch
The Groin Stretch is the sixth exercise in the Recovery Workout. This exercise increases flexibility in the hip joint. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Groin Stretch is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” take an exaggerated step with the right leg to the right side bending the right knee into a lateral lunge. Trunk and head continue to face forward. Hold this position or continue into a deeper lunge to stretch the inside of the left thigh for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” assume the starting position.
- On the command, “CHANGE POSITION, READY, STRETCH,” take an exaggerated step to the left with the left leg bending the left knee into a lateral lunge. Trunk and head continue to face forward. Hold the position or continue into a deeper lunge to stretch the inside of the right thigh for 20–30 seconds.
- On count 4, return to the starting position.
Calf Stretch
The Calf Stretch is the seventh exercise in Recovery Workout. This stretch increases flexibility of the ankle. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Calf Stretch is the Straddle Stance position with hands on hips.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” take a step backward with the left leg, placing the foot flat on the ground 1–2 feet behind its starting position. Keeping the left heel on the ground, bend both knees until a stretch is felt in the left Achilles tendon.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” repeat the stretch with the right leg. Increase the stretch sensation in the right calf muscle by stepping further back with the right foot and locking the right knee. Keep the right foot pointing forward throughout the stretch. Hold either stretch position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
Hamstring Stretch
The Hamstring Stretch is the final exercise in Recovery Workout. This stretch increases flexibility of the knees and hips. Conduct the movement:
- The starting position for the Hamstring Stretch is the Sitting position with arms at the sides and palms on the floor.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” reach forward with both hands toward the feet, grasping the feet, ankle or lower legs. Keep the knees straight without locking them. Hold this stretch position for 20–30 seconds.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.
- On the command, “READY, STRETCH,” repeat the first stretch position reaching slightly further.
- On the command, “STARTING POSITION, MOVE,” return to the starting position.