Categories: FitnessHealthWellness

The 2-Minute Full-Body Exercise You Should Be Doing (But Aren’t)

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When it comes to scoring a fit frame, Kira Stokes, creator of The Stoked Method, has definitely mastered all the moves you need. (I mean, have you seen that six-pack?) So it should come as no surprise that we often find ourselves scrolling through her feed for fitspiration. This week it came in the form of Lateral X-band Monster Walks + Upright Row, her SMOTD (or Stoked Move of the Day)—which the celeb trainer says is a great way to warm up the body before you begin your actual workout.

Always skimp on the warm-up? That’s a big no-no. “Equate it to taking a test without studying; the result may turn out ok, but you’re tempting fate,” she explains. “Prepping the body using similar movement patterns to what you will experience during your workout increases your ability to properly activate the muscles, and decreases the likelihood of injury. It also sets the tone for the all important mind-muscle connection.”

RELATED: 24 Fat-Burning Ab Exercises (No Crunches!)

Lateral X-band Monster Walks in particular wake up the gluteus medius and abductors (think front of pelvis, side of hip, and top of butt), which help stabilize and strengthen the hips, pelvis, and lower extremity for optimal performance. (FYI: Runners, this move is a must for you!)

“The lateral movement is super focused—no rotation or hinge, and the band resistance is light, making it a very stable exercise, allowing you to really mind your muscles, preparing both your mind and body for the work ahead,” notes Stokes, who loves resistance bands because they are essentially a “no-excuse” gym in your bag that can be used anywhere, anytime. The Upright Row here recruits the upper body into the mix, readying the shoulders for movement.

RELATED: 11 Best Exercises to Get Strong, Toned Arms

How to do it

Stand tall with feet hip-width distance apart and the arch of each foot on top of a light resistance band. Twist band, to form an “X”, holding the opposite end with both hands; arms hang down in front of thighs with palms facing back.

Keeping legs straight and maintaining a strong core with a slight tuck to the tailbone and butt cheeks squeezed, step the right foot out to the right side, creating tension in the lower part of the band as you simultaneously pull the top part of the band straight up to chest height; elbows should be parallel to shoulders.

As you step left foot in, remembering to keep that hip-width distance between feet, lower arms back down to start.

Repeat entire movement. Do 3 sets of 8-10 reps in each direction, traveling each direction twice.

Make it harder: Trade up to a medium resistance band, or perform it in a squatting position. This tweak transforms the Lateral X-band Monster Walks portion from a prep movement into a meatier move, involving more of the gluteus maximus (AKA the muscle that gives your booty that nice round shape).

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The information herein on "The 2-Minute Full-Body Exercise You Should Be Doing (But Aren't)" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

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Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

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Welcome-Bienvenido's to our blog. We focus on treating severe spinal disabilities and injuries. We also treat Sciatica, Neck and Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced proven therapies focused on optimal mobility, health, fitness, and structural conditioning. We use Individualized Diet Plans, Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Mobility-Agility Training, Adapted Cross-Fit Protocols, and the "PUSH System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. If you would like to learn more about a Doctor of Chiropractic who uses advanced progressive techniques to facilitate complete physical health, please connect with me. We focus on simplicity to help restore mobility and recovery. I'd love to see you. Connect!

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