proper form on side lunges

[lisaLD]

I need help with the side lunges in Boot Camp. After you've stepped to the side, and you're coming back to the start position, do you push off with the foot that stepped out? In a regular lunge you would, but in a rear lunge you dig in with the heel that stayed put. How about for a side lunge? I appreciate your help! :7

 

[kathryn]

The side lunge in working more the leg that steps out so, yes, you would push off from the leg that is out (though once you get about 1/2 way to the center position, the leg that was stable kicks in more, so you're working the inner thighs on both legs).

 

[lisaLD]

Kathryn,

Thanks! I tried doing it both ways yesterday afternoon (which prompted the question), and it did seem that both legs came into play when I pushed off the leg that stepped out. I will focus on that next time. Thanks, again!

 

[Mckmain]

I do agree with Kathryn. The foot going out is the working foot, but the inner thigh on both is working too......Carole

 

[Soosan]

I seem to feel these more in my outer thighs. Could my form be off?

 

[lisaLD]

I think it hits both your inner and outer thighs, but maybe Kathryn will weigh in with a more informed opinion.

 

[kathryn]

Informed? I just make this stuff up! ;-)
The outer thigh of the outside (push-off leg) seems to be worked at the beginning of the push, and the inner thighs are worked (especially if you emphasize a squeezing motion, and most especially if you bring that leg across and in front of the stable leg at the end of the movement)from about the 1/2 way point to the closed position.