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What is a lunge exercise?

National Academy of Sports Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine
answer

A lunge is a lower body exercise that involves stepping and bending your front and back leg. To perform a lunge stand straight up facing forward with your spine and pelvis in a neutral position. Take a step forward with a leg, take a long enough step so that when you bend your knee, the knee is not forward of the toe, bend your back knee until it almost touches the floor, keep your torso and spine in a neutral position, then return to your starting position.  

Kristy Lee Wilson - Sharecare Fitness Expert
Kristy Lee Wilson - Sharecare Fitness Expert on behalf of Sharecare Fitness
Fitness
answer
The lunge is a great exercise that targets your lower body. To properly perform a forward lunge, begin standing up nice and tall with your feet slightly apart. Hands can be resting on your hips, or down by your side. Take a big step forward, keeping your upper body straight as much as possible. Make sure that you knee stays inline with your front foot and does not come forward over your toes. When the thigh of your front leg is parallel to the floor, push through the heel of your front foot and return to the start position. To make the lunge more challenging, progress the exercise by holding a pair of dumbbells in each hand.

Variations: A bigger step forward will engage more of your glutes. A smaller step forward will engage more of the quadriceps.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.