Root the Standing Leg

Leg Isolations Series of the Mid Barre Element, the client will often straighten their standing leg.  Straightening the standing leg may be done in certain class circumstances but overall it opens the general clientele up to potential injury.  If the client is focusing on their moving leg they may overextend the standing leg causing hyperextension of the leg joint.  Before the exercise begins, remind the class to create a small bend in the standing leg knee.  Have your clients imagine their leg is a tree trunk and they are rooted into the earth. Rooting the leg into the floor while lifting through the hip helps to find opposition and stability in the standing leg.  A strongly rooted leg with a slight bend at the knee will create the perfect foundation for the Mid Barre exercises.    ]]>