How To Do Lateral Lunge: The Beginner's Guide
The lateral lunge is an exercise used to target the muscles of the lower body, including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. The exercise can be performed standing or seated. To perform the exercise, stand with feet hip-width apart, arms extended out to the sides. Step out to the side with one foot while bending the knee of the same leg, while keeping the other leg straight and the torso upright. Push off of the bent leg to return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.
How to start?
To begin the lateral lunge, stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms extended out to the sides. Make sure your core is engaged and your spine is in a neutral position. From here, take a large step out to the side with one foot and bend the knee of the same leg, while keeping the other leg straight and the torso upright. Push off of the bent leg to return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the other side.
How to do it?
-
Start standing with your feet hip-width apart and your arms extended out to the sides.
-
Step out to the side with one foot, bending your knee and keeping the other leg straight and your torso upright.
-
Push off of the bent leg to return to your starting position.
-
Repeat the movement on the other side.
How to make it harder?
To make the lateral lunge more challenging, you can hold a weight in each hand, such as a dumbbell or kettlebell, while performing the exercise. You can also increase the range of motion by stepping out wider with each lunge. Additionally, you can add a jump at the end of each rep to further challenge the muscles.
Tips
- Make sure to keep your core engaged and your spine in a neutral position throughout the exercise.
- Keep your back straight and your chest up throughout the movement.
- Focus on pushing through the heel of your bent leg to return to the starting position.
- Take your time and move through the exercise slowly and with control.
What are the benefits?
The lateral lunge is a great exercise to target the muscles of the lower body, including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. It can help improve balance and stability, as well as increase strength and power in the lower body. Additionally, the lateral lunge can help improve hip mobility, which can help to reduce the risk of injury.