The Turkish get-up is "a challenging and rewarding exercise with numerous benefits for strength, balance, stability, motor control, and mobility," says trainer and CrossFit coach Corey Degenstein. It'll work your glutes as well as your core and is a "fantastic exercise for people of all fitness levels," Degenstein says. However, if you're a beginner, try this move without any weight first to make sure you have the movement pattern down or seek out a trainer for help.
- Start lying on your back with your right arm extended toward the ceiling, holding a kettlebell, and your right knee bent with your foot flat on the floor. Your left arm should be extended out to the side, palm pressed into the floor, a little lower than your shoulder.
- Keeping your eyes on your right hand, lean your weight onto your left elbow so that you're half sitting up. Then transfer your weight into your left hand.
- Next, press down into your left hand and right foot to lift your pelvis off the ground, coming into a bridge. Keep your eyes trained on your right hand.
- Shoot your left leg backward to rest your left knee on the floor directly under your left hip. Your arms should be in a straight line with your left hand on the floor and right hand toward the ceiling. Your body is bent to the left, but your eyes should still be focusing on the right hand.
- Push off the floor with your left hand, and lift your chest so your torso is upright. Keep looking up at your right hand.
- Press into the right foot to stand, bringing your left leg forward to meet the right.
- Reverse the sequence to return to the starting position on the floor. That's one rep.
Maggie Ryan was an assistant editor at PS. A longtime runner and athlete, Maggie has nearly four years of experience covering topics in the wellness space, specializing in fitness, sports, nutrition, and mental health.
