Alternate Arm and Leg (Bird Dog)

Do this exercise slowly. Try to keep your body straight at all times, and don't let one hip drop lower than the other.

Start on the floor, on your hands and knees.
Tighten your stomach muscles.
Raise one leg off the floor and hold it straight out behind you. Be careful not to let your hip drop down, because that will twist your trunk.
Hold for about 6 seconds, then lower your leg and switch to the other leg.
Repeat 8 to 12 times on each leg.
Over time, work up to holding for 10 to 30 seconds each time.
If you feel stable and secure with your leg raised, try raising the opposite arm straight out in front of you at the same time.

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Joan Rigg PT, OCS - Physical Therapy

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Alternate Arm and Leg (Bird Dog)

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