Balance Trainer Single Leg Lifts exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Balance Trainer Single Leg Lifts

Intermediate
Home Friendly

BOSU balance trainer exercise that targets lower abs and hip flexors to enhance core stability and posture. Involves unilateral leg lifts with arm reach on an unstable dome for added balance challenge.

About Exercise

Equipment

Balance Trainer

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Hip Flexors

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Quads

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Stability
Conditioning
Mobility

Training Style

Balance Training
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hip Flexors

8/10

Iliopsoas

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Quads

3/10

Rectus Femoris

Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie on your back with lower back centered on the BOSU dome's rounded side up. Bend one knee with foot flat on floor; extend the other leg hovering above ground and opposite arm overhead.

  1. Engage core and brace spine.
  2. Slowly lift extended leg toward ceiling while reaching opposite arm toward ankle.
  3. Keep movement controlled to maintain balance on dome.
  4. Hold peak contraction briefly.
  5. Lower leg and arm slowly to start with control.
  6. Switch sides after reps or alternate per rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight throughout
  • Leg straight, no knee bend
  • Reach without twisting
  • Control descent slowly
  • Eyes forward, neck neutral

Breathing

Inhale as you prepare and lower; exhale during the lift and reach to engage core.

Tempo

3-1-3

Range of Motion

Lift leg until perpendicular to torso without arching back; arm reaches toward ankle without straining neck.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain present
  • Stop if sharp pain in hips or spine
  • Use non-slip surface under BOSU
  • Progress slowly from floor version
  • Consult professional for modifications

Spotting

No spotting needed; use wall for hand support if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Allowing back to arch
  • Jerky uncontrolled lifts
  • Lifting too high without core brace
  • Neglecting opposite side balance
  • Forgetting to engage transverse abdominis

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Hip flexor strain
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion range
  • Core stability without arching

Build Up First

  • Master floor single leg lifts
  • Basic plank hold proficiency

Also known as

BOSU Single Leg Lifts, BOSU Leg Raises, Balance Dome Single Leg Lifts, BOSU Core Leg Lifts

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.