What is a Turkish Get Up and why you should add it to your workout routine

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The Turkish Get Up (TGU) is a classic exercise that has been used for centuries in Turkish wrestling circles. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts due to its many benefits. The TGU is a complex, full-body exercise that requires a high level of coordination, stability, and mobility. It works several muscle groups in your body, including your core, shoulders, hips, and legs.

To properly perform a TGU, follow these steps:

Step 1: Lie flat on your back with your left arm extended overhead, holding a kettlebell or dumbbell in your left hand. Bend your left knee, keeping your left foot flat on the floor. Extend your right arm out to your side at a 45-degree angle.

Step 2: Roll onto your right side, propping yourself up on your right elbow. Keep your left arm extended overhead throughout the movement.

Step 3: Lift your torso off the floor, coming up onto your right hand. Keep your left arm extended overhead and your left knee bent.

Step 4: Straighten your right arm and lift your right leg off the floor, coming up into a lunge position. Keep your left arm extended overhead throughout the movement.

Step 5: Stand up, keeping the weight overhead. Make sure to keep your core tight, your chest up, and your shoulders back and down.

Step 6: Reverse the movement, slowly lowering yourself back down to the starting position.

Repeat the entire movement with your right arm, switching sides each time.

The TGU is a challenging exercise that requires a lot of practice to master. However, it is well worth the effort. Here are some of the benefits of including TGU in your workout routine:

  1. Full-body workout: The TGU works multiple muscle groups in your body, including your core, shoulders, hips, and legs. It is a complex, full-body exercise that requires a high level of coordination, stability, and mobility.
  2. Builds strength and stability: The TGU is an excellent exercise for building strength and stability in your shoulders, hips, and core. It is also a great exercise for improving your balance and coordination.
  3. Improves mobility: The TGU requires a wide range of motion in your hips, shoulders, and thoracic spine. Performing this exercise regularly can improve your mobility and flexibility in these areas.
  4. Increases endurance: The TGU is a challenging exercise that requires a lot of energy to perform. It is an excellent exercise for improving your endurance and cardiovascular fitness.
  5. Enhances sports performance: The TGU is a functional exercise that mimics movements used in many sports. It is an excellent exercise for enhancing your sports performance and reducing the risk of injury.

In conclusion, the Turkish Get Up is a complex, full-body exercise that provides numerous benefits. It requires a lot of practice to master, but once you do, it can become a staple in your workout routine. By incorporating the TGU into your fitness regimen, you can build strength, stability, mobility, endurance, and improve your sports performance.

About the author 

Coach Ben

Coach Benjamin Petitpas, CSCS, CPT
Founder & Head Coach, CT Workout

With a degree in Exercise Science from Springfield College and over 25 years of hands-on coaching experience, Benjamin Petitpas has dedicated his career to helping busy adults in Central Connecticut look better, move better, and feel better. As a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), he specializes in guiding men and women over 40 who have spent years putting others first—whether it’s family, work, or daily responsibilities—and are finally ready to prioritize their own health.

Coach Ben understands the unique challenges of the busy parent juggling schedules, the professional with long workdays, or the individual who’s tried every fad diet and big-box gym without success. His approach blends expert programming, accountability, and a supportive community so clients not only see results but build habits that last.

For Coach Ben, fitness isn’t about quick fixes or extremes—it’s about helping everyday people regain their confidence, energy, and strength so they can live life fully, without limitations.

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