May-13

The Lunge

POSTED BY: Alex Isaly in BLOG

Q. What is the proper way to do a lunge and where am I supposed to feel this workout? Is it more efficient to use weights while doing this workout?

A. A lunge, much like the squat, is a great lower body exercise to help increase leg strength and improve sports performance activities. The lunge targets the hamstrings, quads, and glutes.

There are several directional movements you can perform when doing a lunge. For example, lateral (side to side), frontal (forward stepping) and reverse (stepping back). These directions can be performed either dynamically (with movement) or stationary. Either way you are still going to get all the benefits of the exercise. It's good to change things up so make sure to incorporate the various options into your workout regimen.

Like I always stress with every exercise...It's very important to have proper form and technique. This helps avoid injury and at the same time maximizes the efficiency of the movement itself. Please watch my video where I discuss and show the proper form for a lunge... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWOnj1Caym0

If you want to increase the intensity of the movement then grab a set of dumbbells, a kettlebell or even a weighted bar and perform the various movements of the lunge. This will increase the load on the working muscles and takes the move to another level. I would suggest starting with lighter weights when adding them on to the exercise then gradually increase the weight as your strength builds.

The lunge is one of my favorite leg exercises. Make sure to add it to your leg training program and you'll not only see the results but feel them at the same time.