Stand feet parallel (12 o’clock) facing the Stix, right hand at position 1.
Action
With right leg, take a step back (right foot to 4 o’clock), externally rotating from the hip to end in a 45° squat, while simultaneously rowing the handle in toward the chest. Make sure to keep spine stable; there should be no rotation between pubic bone and sternum. Complete by returning to a standing position.
Stand with Stix close to shoulders, hands at positions 2-3. Walk feet back until body forms a 45° angle, reaching one leg back slightly, weight on balls of feet.
Action
Using glutes of forward leg, drive opposite knee up and forward, staying on ball of forward foot. Feeling should be that of driving the body forward in space. Keep elbows bent and Stix close to your shoulders. Stay tall on the forward foot (activates the Glute Med.) Alternate legs. (Progression: straighten elbows to keep hands out in front of body during entire movement - see bottom picture.)
Stand on #5, pick both Stix up, hands on position 1. With right foot off the ground extended in front of you, left knee soft, core engaged.
Action
Lower into a one legged (“pistol”) squat (right leg stays extended in front of body), Keep spine neutral, weight on left heel. Only go as deep as is comfortable; return to the starting position.
Squat up in a standing position, grab left Stix at position 1, and core engaged.
Action
Stand on right foot, knee soft, hinge at hips maintaining neutral spine. Extend left leg behind. Grab Stix and pull toward body, keeping elbow in by side.
Squat down to a 90°, bend in each knee. Grab Stix and stand upright. Maintain tall posture, shoulders slightly retracted throughout. Weight should be on the heel of the left leg, driving heel down into the board with each rep. (Repeat on opposite leg)(Progression: use different Stix in each hand for asymmetric loading.)