Cross Body Leg Swings - Martial Arts Balance Exercise

This page provides details for the balance exercise known as "Cross Body Leg Swings". This balance exercise involves standing on one leg while moving the other leg sideways across the body. Martial arts students who have trouble with this exercise can start by holding a chair or wall until they can progress to standing on one leg without assistance. This exercise is also used by martial artists in order to improve their lower body flexibility (i.e. hip range of motion).

Better balance during martial arts training can help to reduce falls during advanced kicks (i.e. spinning hook kick), to generate improved kicking power and punching power (as being off-balance reduces power generation) and to possibly reduce potential injuries when an opponent has thrown or knocked a person off-balance.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. If you have had an injury or are in pain, please see a doctor before starting any stretching or exercise program.

For other balance exercises, please visit the main Martial Arts Balance section.