Can't do lunges

[pace1987]

I can't seem to do any of the lunges in any of Cathe's workout. I just can't balance myself. How does everyone do it? Does it take time to work your balance?

 

[purplesky1120]

when i do lunges, i think the biggest helper for me is keep my core tight. this definatly helps me to balance 100% better. just keep it active, but make sure your not holding your breath! i also think about pushing through my front leg heel. i try to not lean forward at all, its important to stay upright. it helps to keep your focus on one thing, like a picture or something also. hope this helps! good luck!
purplesky1120

 

[DebbieH]

Also...

Barbara~Try standing with your legs in a bit wider stance. This should help with balance. (In other words, take your back leg a bit further wider, then just stepping it back behind. Does that make sense?)

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH http://www.smilies-world.de/Smilies/Smilies_klein_1/wavey.gif If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[pace1987]

RE: Also...

(In other words, take your back
>leg a bit further wider, then just stepping it back behind.
>Does that make sense?)

Hi Debbie, that makes perfect sense, thanks I will have to try that the next time i do them.

 

[kathryn]

Lunges definitely do require balance. I remember when I first started doing lunges with FIRM videos, I was teeter-tottery on many of them. It helped me to use a yoga mat under my feet to avoid any slippage and to therefore take out one of the balance challenges.


You can practice them using some kind of dowel or even a body bar for support, holding it perpendicular to the floor. Don't use any weights in this "training" stage.

When you do go into using weights, you might find that holding dumbells by your side gives you more stability than using a barbell behind the neck.

Also, doing a static lunge (where you only have to find the correctly balanced position once) may work better than front lunges. Rear lunges are second most stable, at least from my experience.

 

[Kimba]

When I feel wobbly I just use a chair and alternate legs using a heavy dumbell.

 

[LizzieLiz]

Hi Barbara - you've gotten excellent suggestions here. I'll just add my 2 cents. Be sure that you are not using weights that are too heavy. As Kathryn said, it's probably a good idea to practice not using any weight at all and gradually work it in. I know if my BB is too heavy I get wobbly too. I think you'll find that with practice your balance will come. Your balance will also improve the stronger you get. Strong muscles are needed for good balance.

Keep at it and good luck!

 

[AKirkland]

I think it will become less of a problem, too, as your strength increases. I stick mostly to static lunges to help with balance issues and because I've had surgery on one of my knees and I like to be very careful.

Angela

 

[likes2bfit]

A while back I read that if you have not mastered lunges, you can try putting your front leg on a step to make it easier. Once you have mastered this, then try them with both legs on the floor.