Exercise
Going Up Side
IntermediateSide-facing Wunda Chair exercise stepping one foot onto the pedal and pressing up to a full stand for lateral hip and glute strength.
Setup instructions
Stand beside the Wunda Chair with your inner side facing the pedal. Place the inner foot flat on the pedal with the heel grounded. Rest both hands on the chair top for balance support.
Breathing cues
Exhale to press up. Inhale to lower.
Movement steps
- 1Inhale to prepare.
- 2Exhale to press through the inner heel, straightening the leg and rising to standing on top of the chair.
- 3Stand tall at the top with both feet on the chair surface.
- 4Inhale to bend the working leg and slowly return the pedal foot down.
- 5Repeat, then switch sides.
Common mistakes
Pushing through the toes; letting the hip hike on the rise; losing the upright trunk; pressing the hand support too hard; rushing the descent.
Safety notes
Use hand support throughout. Keep the inner knee tracking forward over the foot. Avoid if lateral hip or knee discomfort appears.
Connections
Muscles worked
Goals supported
Equipment needed
Related exercises
FAQs
Is Going Up Side suitable for beginners?
Going Up Side is intermediate. It adds a lateral hip challenge on top of the single-leg demand of Going Up Front. Good glute strength and pedal confidence should be established first.
What muscles does Going Up Side work?
The hip abductors and glutes of the pressing leg work hard on the lateral press. The core stabilises the trunk throughout and the standing leg manages balance.
What is Going Up Side good for?
It develops lateral hip strength and control in a functional way that supports balance, gait, and single-leg stability in activities outside the studio.