This month we highlight the Lunge to Balance exercise. Much like I mentioned last month, it is important to incorporate core exercise and balance training into your workouts. This exercise is for individuals who are already comfortable completing stationary lunges. The benefits of incorporating the balance step with the lunge include core stability and improved balance. Additional benefits to this exercise include stronger legs and glutes, greater flexibility in the hips, and a reduced spinal load (while many exercises increase the load on your spine, lunges decrease the spinal load allowing your spine to relax).
Lunge to Balance
Preparation for exercise: no equipment needed
Movement of exercise
Start with your left leg forward, lower your hips till both knees are bent at a 90 degree angle. Make sure that your forward knee (left) is in line with your ankle.
Keeping your weight on your front heel, stand up, making sure that the back knee (right) which will come forward, does not touch the ground, keep your upper body straight, shoulders relaxed and chin up.
Balancing on your left leg, hold for the count of two then step forward with your right leg and repeat steps 1-3 on the opposite side.
Keep your body weight on the heels.