MOVEMENT ADVENT 2024

Fun daily movement #17

Primal Play Method Movement Advent

Day 17: Slalom Jumps ⛷️

Welcome to Day 17 of our 24 Days of Movement Advent 🎄

Today’s movement snack takes inspiration from the slopes with Slalom Jumps, a dynamic, playful exercise designed to enhance your cardio fitness, agility, and coordination. This movement channels the energy and motion of skiing down a slalom course—think quick, side-to-side hops that engage your entire body.

Not only is this a fantastic playout for your legs and core, but it also boosts explosive power and improves your ability to balance and react. Whether you're an experienced skier or simply looking for a fun, fast-paced movement, Slalom Jumps will challenge you in all the right ways. Let’s jump into the details!

Why Participate in thIS ACTIVE PLAY Movement SNACK?

The 24 Days of Movement Advent(ure) is about making fitness playful, accessible, and enjoyable. By incorporating virtual movements like Slalom Jumps, you’re not just working out— but exploring, discovering, and celebrating the joy of movement. Let’s keep jumping, playing, and moving this holiday season with the Primal Play Method®.

“It’s time for an active play movement snack”

Today’s Movement Challenge

Slalom Jumps

Time to Play: 60 seconds

1️⃣ Side-to-Side Jump: Begin in a standing position with knees slightly bent. Jump to your left, landing softly, and then immediately jump to your right as if navigating a downhill slalom course.
2️⃣ Maintain a Forward Hinge: Keep your hips slightly hinged forward to mimic a skiing posture.
3️⃣ Soft Landings: Land on the balls of your feet with control to protect your joints.
4️⃣ Use Your Arms: Swing your arms naturally to drive momentum and add power to each jump.
5️⃣ Repeat: Continue jumping from side to side for the full minute.

⏲ Pro Tip: Imagine the twists and turns of a real slalom course—it adds an element of focus and fun to the movement!

Why Try This?

Slalom Jumps are more than just a playful cardio movement. Here are some key benefits:

Cardiovascular Fitness: Elevates your heart rate, making it an effective aerobic exercise.
Leg Strength: Engages your quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes.
Core Activation: Strengthens your core muscles to maintain stability during lateral movements.
Agility and Coordination: Sharpens your ability to change direction quickly and efficiently.
Explosive Power: Builds plyometric strength in your lower body.
Balance and Control: Improves your ability to stay stable while moving dynamically.

This movement captures the essence of the Primal Play Method® by turning a workout into a fun, engaging activity that boosts both fitness and creativity.

Level Up Your Practice

🆙 For an extra challenge:

Increase Speed: Move faster to ramp up the cardio intensity.
Jump Further: Extend the distance of your jumps to engage more power.
Add Height: Jump higher with each hop to test your explosiveness.
Use Visual Markers: Place cones or other markers to simulate slalom gates and increase focus.

🌟 Looking for a gentler option?

Perform smaller, slower hops with a shorter lateral range.
Focus on maintaining control and balance at a slower pace.

Tips for Success

Focus on Form: Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight to maintain proper posture.
Land Softly: Absorb the impact through your knees and ankles to protect your joints.
Engage Your Core: Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilise your movements.
Use Visualisation: Pretend you’re on the slopes—it makes the movement more engaging and fun!

Share Your Progress

How did today’s Slalom Jumps feel? Did you channel your inner skier and navigate those imaginary slopes? Share your experience on social media using #MovementAdvent2024 and tag me on Instagram (@fitnessexplorer). Seeing your creativity and progress is one of the best parts of this journey!

Invite a friend to join in the fun, and let’s keep the energy flowing together.