The focus for this week's activities is building lower body strength, balance, and core stability through BOSU squats. The goal is to introduce and refine squat mechanics while enhancing balance and muscle engagement throughout each stage of progression.
Measurements for Success:
Alignment: Maintaining proper squat form with knees tracking over the toes, a straight back, and balanced posture on the BOSU ball.
Control: Performing the movement in a slow, controlled manner to ensure balance, proper engagement, and stability.
Balance and Stability: Demonstrating the ability to maintain balance while performing squats on the BOSU ball, with increasing squat depth and reduced reliance on support as skills improve.
Chair Sit-to-Stand: Develop foundational lower body strength and introduce basic squat mechanics by practicing sitting down and standing up from a chair.
The client will begin seated in a chair with feet shoulder-width apart. They will stand up by pushing through their heels and engaging their lower body muscles, then slowly lower themselves back into a seated position with control.
Adjust the chair height to make the movement easier or more challenging based on the client's abilities.
Offer verbal cues to maintain proper form, such as engaging the core and keeping knees aligned over the toes.
Provide light support if needed to assist with balance.
Successfully completing multiple sit-to-stand repetitions with proper form and minimal assistance.
This image shows a person practicing a sit-to-stand movement from a chair, focusing on engaging their lower body by standing up from a seated position and then returning to sit. This activity introduces basic squat mechanics and builds foundational strength.
Body weight squat: Transition to performing full bodyweight squats to further enhance lower body strength and stability.
Adjust the depth of the squat based on the client's mobility and strength level.
Provide visual demonstrations and verbal cues to ensure proper squat form.
Encourage slow, controlled movements to build strength and stability.
Performing multiple bodyweight squats with good form, control, and balance.
This image shows a person performing a bodyweight squat. The individual lowers into a squat position while maintaining balance and proper form, engaging the glutes, quads, and core for improved lower body strength and stability.
Balancing on the BOSU Ball (Flat Side Up): Challenge the client's balance, core stability, and lower body strength by standing and maintaining balance on the BOSU ball.
Allow the client to use a stable object or bar for support initially if needed.
Gradually increase the duration of the balancing exercise as confidence and stability improve.
Provide verbal cues to focus on engaging the core and maintaining posture.
Successfully maintaining balance on the BOSU ball for a set period with minimal assistance, demonstrating control and core engagement.
This image shows a person standing on the flat side of a BOSU ball, working on balance and core stability. This activity challenges the individual's ability to maintain stability while engaging their core and lower body muscles.