Now that we’ve had time to perfect our squats, we’re going to increase the challenge by splitting the legs into lunges.
The most important thing to remember in a lunge is that your front knee should never jut forward beyond your toes. Keep your knee directly in line above your ankle and you will stay safe. Geometry class is going to come in handy here after all…Think about keeping your legs at 90 degree angles; straight lines – perpendicular and parallel to the ground.
Also, focus on keeping your torso upright. The upper body should move straight up toward the sky and then back down toward the ground rather than forward or backward.
The video below will give you 4 different lunge options, but before you view, let me just describe them here:
1. Reverse Lunge – The safest and easiest form. Step directly behind you (keeping legs hip-distance; think railroad tracks not tightrope), and lower into a lunge. Press off the back foot as you step back together.
2. Walking Lunge – Maintaining proper lunge form, walk in a continuous line forward. Always check knee alignment and torso positioning.
3. Curtsy Lunge – Step foot behind to the opposite corner as if curtsying to royalty. (This one typically makes my glutes sore because this particular angle of the muscle is not worked frequently in common day to day activities.)
4. Plyo Lunge – The most advanced option. Lower into a lunge; Jump and switch lead legs in the air, landing in a lunge with the other leg forward. Great cardio burst. Focus on maintaining form and control, using your arms for a little momentum, but landing softly to protect the knees.
As I mentioned in the description on the You Tube page itself, I hope you all remember that these are not intended to be technical, professional videos. I’m just an “everyday” sort of person, trying to help others on their fitness journeys. It was just too beautiful of a day not to be outside. My apologies for the crazy shadows and background.
Hopefully you can still get the gist of four great lunge alternatives to strengthen your legs!
If you guys ever have any questions about squats, lunges, or well, anything fitness-related, just let me know!
Everyday Faith + Fitness 