Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Build strength to stand your ground while being pushed laterally with this exercise that focuses on resisting movement attempts from a partner. Partner exercises like this one and the many others taught in the Military Exercise Leader and Law & Fire Group Training courses (www.cooperinstitute.org) are a great way to improve fitness while motivating one another and building camaraderie. To perform this exercise:
Preparation: Partners stand facing one another in a slightly staggered position each with their arms extended out in front of them about parallel to the ground (shoulder flexion) with the palms together.
Movement: Partner One provides force to Partner Two by executing short torso rotations pushing the outside of Partner Two’s hands with the outside of their own. Partner Two tries to remain static by resisting the force provided from Partner One. After delivering force from one side for a set number of repetitions, Partner One should deliver force from the other side. When complete, Partner One and Partner Two switch roles so that Partner Two can now resist movement attempts.
Tips: Lift the heel of the outside foot during rotation to minimize shear force on the spine. Keep the spine in neutral alignment and rotate the torso as an entire unit. Modify this exercise by bending the elbow and performing with arms closer to the body.
Build strength to stand your ground while being pushed laterally with this exercise that focuses on resisting movement attempts from a partner. Partner exercises like this one and the many others taught in the Military Exercise Leader and Law & Fire Group Training courses (www.cooperinstitute.org) are a great way to improve fitness while motivating one another and building camaraderie. To perform this exercise:
Preparation: Partners stand facing one another in a slightly staggered position each with their arms extended out in front of them about parallel to the ground (shoulder flexion) with the palms together.
Movement: Partner One provides force to Partner Two by executing short torso rotations pushing the outside of Partner Two’s hands with the outside of their own. Partner Two tries to remain static by resisting the force provided from Partner One. After delivering force from one side for a set number of repetitions, Partner One should deliver force from the other side. When complete, Partner One and Partner Two switch roles so that Partner Two can now resist movement attempts.
Tips: Lift the heel of the outside foot during rotation to minimize shear force on the spine. Keep the spine in neutral alignment and rotate the torso as an entire unit. Modify this exercise by bending the elbow and performing with arms closer to the body.
