Lunge/Leg Press Substitutions

[normandy]

Hi, Cathe -- Lots of luck on your new venture!

I have been concentrating on MuscleMax and the new Total Body Sculpting workouts lately, and wonder if you can provide substitute exercises for the lunges and leg presses -- my knees just won't cooperate. And yes, I do make sure my knees don't extend past my toes, but the bending really bothers them. Thanks so much for any suggestions!

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Normandy! Based on what you have written, I am assuming squats are out of the question too.

If you can do any version of these movements (squats, leg press, lunges) I would suggest a more shallow and non-weighted version of them.

For example for leg presses, eliminate using weight and use no more than three risers for your height. For lunges and squats, don't lower down as deep and again, use no weight.

If these options are not available to you then you will need to do isolation exercises and hit the target muscles individually. For example leg extentions for quads, leg lifts for inner and outer thighs, leg curls for hamstrings, bridge work for glute and buttocks. You can add intensity by using ankle weights with many of these exercises (if it doesn't bother your knees).

Good Luck!

 

[normandy]

Hi, Cathe -- With all you have going on in your world right now (lucky us!) I can't tell you how much I appreciate your taking the time to answer my post.