Tall Kneeling Turns Posterior Load

This self-limiting exercise helps to expose a lack of motor control and bilateral asymmetries in the Tall Kneeling position.

Being in the Tall kneeling posture by placing both knees on the ground just wider than your hips, your lower legs remain parallel, and your ankles are plantar flexed.  Your pelvis remains in a neutral stacked position with a tall spine, and your shoulder and hips remain squared off.      
                                                       
Begin by holding a kettlebell or sandbag in both hands behind of you.  Be sure to maintain the balanced upright posture and perform a series of turns:
 
1) Head Turns 
Turn the head to the right and left in a smooth, controlled manner maintaining the “perfect posture” and take a deep diaphragmatic breath and return to a neutral position.  Begin with small turns and slowly add range but do not push into discomfort or increase the range, so you have to compensate in any way.
 
2) Head and Shoulder Turns with stationary KB 
Turn the head and shoulders to the right and left in a smooth and controlled manner maintaining the “perfect posture” and leaving the KB in front of the body.  Begin with small turns and slowly add range but do not push into discomfort or increase the range, so you have to compensate in any way.  Pause at the end ranges to cycle a full breath.
 
3) Head and Shoulder Turns with moving KB 
Turn the head and shoulders to the right and left in a smooth and controlled manner while moving the KB in that direction. (if you can turn far enough you may move the KB to the outside of the hip you are turning over). The aim is to perform this turns while maintaining "perfect posture"  Begin with small turns and slowly add range but do not push into discomfort or increase the range, so you have to compensate in any way.
 
Pause at the end ranges to cycle a full breath.
 

Related Exercises

  • Get-up to Tall Sit

    This exercise improves the transition to the tall sit position of the Get-up.

  • Leg Lock Bridge

    This exercise is focused on hip extension on one side while holding reciprocal hip flexion on the opposite side to limit lumbar spine involvement.

  • Get-up to Press

    This is the roll to press movement that begins the Get Up exercise.

  • Stick Work - Adductor Release

    This helps breakdown any facial restrictions and improve adductor flexibility.