Contributed by certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor Anne Pedicini
Lunges are a great exercise to engage your hips and lower body. They are also the most commonly mistaken exercise I see in the gym each day. Lunges require perfect form to maintain proper balance and prevent injury. Achieving perfect lunge form takes practice and it can be extremely helpful to watch and learn from someone with good technique.
Proper Lunge form
The lunge begins in similar fashion to the squat exercise, with your feet square under your shoulders and your body in an athletic stance.
Finish position
Step forward with your left or right leg. It is essential to keep your head, hips, and back knee in a straight line. This not only helps you maintain your balance but also ensure that your legs are getting the proper workout. It is also important to keep the knees at a 90 degree angle to the ground. Your front foot should remain planted on the ground while your back foot should be on your toes. Return your front leg to the start position and alternate with your other leg in the forward position. Repeat for a set of 8-15 reps depending on your fitness level. Feel free to add a weighted barbell or hold dumbbells to increase the level of difficulty.
Video
Below are two videos of a great workout demonstrating the proper technique of lunges and side lunges. Try this simple exercise today at the gym or in your home.
Written by: Anne Pedicini
Certified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor with over 12 years experience
annepedi@comcast.net
Thanks for the post! I always find myself second guessing my lunge technique. This helps!