Lunges
- Thread starter orphylea
- Start date
SirenSongWoman
Cathlete
Wow. I missed that thread but that's what I used to do. Way back when, I used to do a lot of The Firm they always used the step for lunges and squats. I always wondered about the effectiveness, though. Probably okay but I'm no exercise physiologist.
crazystepr
Cathlete
Allison is one smart cookie
OMG STOP I'm blushing!!!!
I seriously doubt I came up with that on my own, though--I'm not that smart. I probably read it somewhere else on this forum years ago....I think Kathryn suggested it and I totally copied her. I found that it worked perfectly--taking TONS of stress off my knees and allowing me to feel the lunges a LOT more in my arse
I totally meant to do GS Legs tonight but I woke up with the mother of all colds this morning and I just couldn't muster up the energy (plus I have mountains of homework to do for school.) I mean helllooooooo!!! Doesn't my teacher know that Cathe is WAY more important than marketing?!?!??!?!?!?!?
Anyhoo, Happy lunging!
It's funny - I took a class a few weeks ago and the instructor had us do lunges with the step and I thought it was a great idea! Good to know so many great minds are in alignment
The instructor said it helps get you to a 90 degree angle faster, and that's the angle where you really work the muscles that you're aiming for. Not sure if that makes sense, but it sure feels like it's working better!
The instructor said it helps get you to a 90 degree angle faster, and that's the angle where you really work the muscles that you're aiming for. Not sure if that makes sense, but it sure feels like it's working better!
kathryn
Cathlete
I found that it worked perfectly--taking TONS of stress off my knees and allowing me to feel the lunges a LOT more in my arse
That's what I love about them as well.
I actually got the idea from Karen Andes' book she wrote years ago. ( A very good book--she's very careful about safe technique and injury avoidance, and I'm all into that. The lunge with the front foot on a 6"---more or less--platform was suggested to reduce knee stress. And as Allison mentioned, it has extra booty benefits--and show me a women who doesn't want extra booty work!)
maddiesmum
Cathlete
Kathryn:
is this standing lunges where the front foot is already positioned forward on the step before you initiate the movement, or is this walking lunges where you take that first step to place the front foot on the step on your way down into the lunge?
Clare
is this standing lunges where the front foot is already positioned forward on the step before you initiate the movement, or is this walking lunges where you take that first step to place the front foot on the step on your way down into the lunge?
Clare
JeanneMarie
Cathlete
My question too. It has to be the static lunges, right? Walking lunges or alternating lunges would be tough to do if you're trying to hit the platform each time.
What is the reason for the platform? Knee issues? Fortunately lunges don't bother my knees. The only time I start to have knee pain is when I consistantly run steep hills.
What is the reason for the platform? Knee issues? Fortunately lunges don't bother my knees. The only time I start to have knee pain is when I consistantly run steep hills.
maddiesmum
Cathlete
Cathe does these in MIS, that's why I ask. And I don't perceive these to make it any easier on the knees.
Clare
In my class, we start with both feet on the step and step back, then, after a long set of those, we do static.
They offer the option of doing all static, or just going into the lunge and holding for many counts if your balance is an issue or if you're not comfortable with stepping back.
They offer the option of doing all static, or just going into the lunge and holding for many counts if your balance is an issue or if you're not comfortable with stepping back.
crazystepr
Cathlete
We're only talking about using the platform during static lunges and alternating front lunges (a la GS Legs). I can't imagine trying to do walking lunges and having to move the platform every time you step forward!
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kathryn
Cathlete
It's a forward lunge, with the foot landing on the step platform rather than the floor. (But it also works for static lunges).
kathryn
Cathlete
Less stress on the knees. More stress in the glutes. Also, on forward lunges, it's easy to put to much emphasis on going forward rather than down, and the platform reduces (pretty much eliminates) this problem.
Because it's so effective, you don't need as much weight.
And it's not hard to hit the platform (use the step, not the High Step).
kathryn
Cathlete
Sounds like a 'hamster lunge" device (that maybe the Firm will come out with soon--since being acquired by Gaiam, all they seem to do is come up with more and more gadgets!)
MAYNARDSMOM
Cathlete
I used my high topper today while doing thelunges on PLB - what a difference!! I really felt it more in my butt!
Thanks!
Thanks!