The Side Lunge is primarily a lower body exercise, working the hips, thighs, gluteals, hamstrings and calves in the lateral aspect. Lateral motion is often more challenging than simple front-back motion until the muscles associated with lateral movement are developed.
Online Personal Training Video: Side Lunge
How To Do It
1. Begin in a standing position, feet together.
2. Step to the side, nearly as far as you can.
3. Your upper body remains vertical, with your hands to your sides or on your waist (not on your legs as “assistance”).
4. Once you’ve reached the finishing position, hold for just an instant, before continuing in that direction to return to the standing position with your feet together.
5. Step with the opposite leg in the opposite direction to continue the exercise.
6. Once you’ve reached the finishing position, hold for just an instant, before continuing in that direction to return to the standing position with your feet together.
7. Repeat, alternating legs.
Online Personal Trainer Tips
1. Keep your back neutral. Do NOT hunch forward.
2. Continuing to the side, instead of pushing back, helps diminish pressure on your knees and more effectively works your inner thigh muscles.
Look straight ahead.
