MONS Athletics

Single-Leg Bridge

Hips lifted, one foot on the ground at a time. The base halves and comes back while the hips stay level.

The lesson

  1. 01

    Bridge up first

    On your back, knees bent, heels within fingertip reach. Press your low back down, then drive through the heels and lift the hips into a straight line from knees to shoulders.

  2. 02

    Float one foot

    Take the weight off one foot and lift it an inch, then more. Nothing else moves.

  3. 03

    Keep both hip points level

    The side you lifted wants to drop. Hold it up with the glute of the leg still on the floor, so a glass of water on your hips would not spill.

  4. 04

    Set it down, float the other

    Place the foot back, take a breath, lift the other. Slow — the changeover is where the shape is won or lost.

  5. 05

    The hips never come down

    The whole set is one long bridge. Coming back to the floor between sides turns it into two exercises.

  6. 06

    The easier version

    Keep both feet down and just take the weight off one at a time without lifting it. Same job for the standing glute, none of the balance.

  7. 07

    The test

    You should feel the glute of the grounded leg working hard and steadily. Hamstring cramp means the heel is too far out — walk it in. A busy low back means you arched up instead of pressing the hips up.