Legs & Quads & Glutes 09 Apr 2007 09:30 pm
April 10, 2007 (Posting #21) - Quadricep exercise: Lunges
Yesterday, we stretched the quads. Today, I want to show you a great quadricp exercise that can follow your stretching: lunges. This exercise is great for tone and definition. You’ll need some weight for this exercise and a bit of room also. Start out standing with your feet together and a weight in each hand. Lunge forward with your left leg. Keep your back straight as you lunge forward. Your left leg should be bent at the knee at about a 90 degree angle. Your right leg is extended but bent at the knee and about 2-4 inches from the ground. Now step back with your left leg bringing yourself back to the starting position for this exercise. Repeat these same steps with your right leg. Keep your back straight throughout the entire exercise and do your best to maintain your balance. No need to rush through these. If you feel any pain or discomfort during the exercise, I recommend that you stop the exercise and address the root cause of your pain.
So, excuses? Huh? What? None! DO SOMETHIN’!
on 09 Apr 2007 at 10:42 pm 1.Emile said …
What things can I do to ensure that my back is straight? When I get fatigued, I have a tendency to lean forward a little more than I should.
on 10 Apr 2007 at 8:37 pm 2.Martin said …
Hello Emile,
I have a couple suggestions for you to help keep your back straight:
1) As you are moving forward to do the lunge, inhale and allow your chest to expand. You can exhale as you move back but be mindful of you back posture.
2) Rather than looking straight ahead (or down) look upwards as you’re moving forward to lunge. Be careful not to loose you balance.
As you said, fatigue will make it challenging to keep your back straight at some point. At this point, I recommend that you take a break, either your natural rest time between sets or that you stop completely.
Let me know if these suggestions help. Thanks.
Martin