L9: ALL FOURS LEG SLIDE Teaching points (2 mins)

Lesson instructions:

Read the exercise instructions 
Watch the video
Read key teaching phrases and contraindications

Key teaching phrases: 

• “Don’t drop your head, keep it in line with your body.” 
• “Push the floor away with your hands so that your shoulder blades are flat on your back.” 
• “Keep your elbows straight.” 
• “Do not round your upper back.” 
• “Maintain the natural curve in your lower back.” You may need to remind them by standing them side on in front of a mirror and showing them their natural lumbar curve. 
• “Avoid twisting.” 
• “Don’t lift the leg too far. This is to avoid over-arching of the lower back.” 
• “Try to perform the exercise slowly and smoothly.” 

Contraindications: 

Patients with wrist or knee pain in this position. For wrist pain you can try placing the hands on some weights to reduce the angle of extension. You can place a pillow under the knees.