By: StacyAtZeel
Lunges are one of the best-and easiest-ways to keep your legs, thighs and glutes trim and toned. The do-it-anywhere movement requires little equipment and, at that, little effort; all you need is an open space, a bit of motivation and these seven secrets to perfecting your positioning. Armed with these tidbits, you'll be ready in no time to take the lunge.
1. Your upper body should remain vertical while lowering down into the lunge. If you lean forward or backward, you could lose your balance.
2. While you want to stay vertical, don't assume any awkward postures. Make sure to keep your back naturally arched. Standing too straight or leaning to far forward or backward can lead to injury.
3. Use your front leg for support and core strength to try and reach the rear foot as far back as you can.
4. While lunging forward, your knee should not go past your toes. Look down and align your body before proceeding.
5. While you are in the downward motion of the lunge, your rear knee should not touch the floor.
6. Whether doing a forward, backward, or split squat lunge, both legs should be at a 90-degree angle once you are in the downward position.
7. Be sure that your movement is up and down, not forward and backward, which puts strain on your knee. You do not want to feel a stretch on the quad muscle of the leg that is behind you.
Advice is courtesy of Zeel Expert personal trainers James Weaver (Fairfield County, CT) Christina Tyler (Charlotte, NC) Mercedes Dunn (Worcester, MA) and Claire Moore (New York, NY).
