lunging substitutes in Butts & Gutts

[booboo39]

Dear Cathe,
I have been doing Butts & Gutts without using weights for almost 4 weeks and my behind has perked up!!! I have been doing it 3 times per week. However I find that my knees are sore, not while doing the workout itself but later throughout the day. I have been taking aspirin and ibuprofen but there is some soreness present the majority of the time. Can the lunges be substituted with stepping onto or off of a high platform and still maintain the same glute & hamstring benefits? Or would lunging backwards be best?
booboo39

 

[midwestchick]

I would be interested in a good substitution as well as I have some IT band problems on the lateral surfaces of both knees. I really try to change up my workouts - some running (which really will get it flared up), walking, weight workouts, some step. Anyway, today was my first time doing B&G and I think the one-legged lunges really affect my knees adversely.

The rest was kick butt - literally! I think I'll be paying the price tomorrow.....

Heidi