Side Plank Hold with Top Leg Elevated

Why it matters for skiing

Skiing is asymmetrically loaded, your outside leg does most of the work through a turn while your core resists side-to-side (lateral) and rotational forces to keep your upper body stable over your skis. A weak core here shows up as your hips or shoulders collapsing mid-turn, which bleeds power and control. This variation trains lateral core (obliques, glute medius) and hip stability under an offset load, closely mimicking the demand of holding a strong outside-ski position while your inside leg/hip has to stay controlled.

How to do it

1. 1+Lie on your side, propped on your forearm (elbow under shoulder) or straight arm, feet stacked.
2. 2Lift your hips off the ground into a straight line from ankles to shoulders.
3. 3+Raise your top leg a few inches higher, holding it elevated for the duration.
4. 4+Keep hips square (don't let them rotate forward or backward) and avoid sagging at the hips.
5. 5+Hold for as long as possible with good form