Please select the topics you're interested in: Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP? (Just like with any other exercise, five perfect lunges are much better and way more effective than 10 performed poorly.). Stand with your back straight and your legs hip-width apart, holding your dumbbells down at your sides. To make the exercise less difficult, first try performing it in a stationary position. As you progress through your main fitness program on the 8fit app, you’ll be introduced to different types of lunges.

As you perfect your lunge, there are also some things to watch out for.

THE ACTIVE TIMES ® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF TRIBUNE PUBLISHING. Follow these six steps to ensure you’re using proper form while performing lunges. But, don’t worry, there’s tons of room for progression and, like most movements the more often you do them, the more you’ll improve with time. -How to Do a Lunge-1.

Once you can squat to 90°, then a satisfying deep lunge is just around the corner. Well, they use the same muscle groupings but are considerably easier don’t require the same amount of strength, mobility, and balance as a lunge. 20 hours ago. This is a move you can do anywhere and see the effects — toned legs and a shapely backside — in no time. Once you’re standing, lower the dumbbells back … Slowly increase your lunge distance as your legs get stronger. Lunges can be a tad intimidating as there’s a lot to take into account, including flexibility and balance.

Step forward with one foot until your leg reaches a 90-degree angle. When you are executing lunges, there are some cues to keep in the back of your mind: Do take a big step forward (a larger step than you would when walking), Do keep your feet hip-width apart, to avoid walking a tightrope and wobbling to one side, Do engage your core and keep your back straight for stability during the entire movement, Do use your arms for extra balance by holding them out to your sides if needed, Do keep neck neutral by focusing on a point at eye level. If you feel pain, decrease the range of motion and take smaller steps. Any variation works, but best to start with shallow squats or wall squats. Always make sure that your forward foot is planted firmly on the ground at that your forward knee always remains in line with your ankle. Wherever you choose to place them, just make sure that the position is comfortable for you.

Repeat the motion for as many repetitions as you can without compromising your form. Maintain a straight spine by keeping your core tight, your shoulder back and down and your gaze straight ahead.
A step by step guide to proper form when doing a lunge, How to Make the Perfect Pre-Workout Smoothie. 5 hours ago, by Yerin Kim Repeat for 10 reps on one side, then switch legs. We're here to help. Make sure that your feet are planted firmly on the ground, that your core is tight (draw your bellybutton into your spine) and that your spine is straight (keep your shoulders relaxed and draw your shoulder blades back and down).

But to reap these benefits, you need good form. Do use your arms for extra balance by holding them out to your sides if needed. Shake things up and add these 5 lunge variations to your routine. By Justin Gelband. Start standing tall with your feet about hip-width distance apart. 1 hour ago, by Murphy Moroney by Tamara Pridgett