Side Lunges is done targeting the muscles of the hips, legs, and butt. This exercise is similar to the many other types of lunges exercise. The only difference is that this exercise involves taking the steps to the side as compared to the other lunges exercises where you have to take forward and backward steps.
The Side Lunges exercise is appropriate for any fitness level. Moreover if you combine this exercise with front and back lunges, all the muscles of the lower body are affected.
How to do Side Lunges
- You should always warm up before starting the exercise.
- Keep your feet straight pointed out from your body. Your head should be erect and you should be looking forward.
- Then you should step out to the right side. Your left foot should be kept stationary. With the right leg you should lunge forward. Ensure that your right knee is aligned over the right foot toes. It should not be over extending.
- You need to keep your back straight. In order to balance your body, you should extend your arms to the front. This way repeat the exercise several times to the same side and then do the same on the alternate side.
- Side lunges with dumbbells can help you increase the challenge of this exercise.
Tips
- You should always wear comfortable clothes while doing the exercise. The clothes should be such that it allows easy movement.
- While working you should focus on the inner and front thigh muscles.
- Ensure that your knees are lined up over the toes.
- You should always look straight, keep your back straight, pull your abdominal muscles tight and keep chest up while performing Side Lunges.
- Ensure that while doing this exercise the foot as well as the lead knee should point in the same direction.
- Ensure that heels of both the feet stay flat on the floor while doing the exercise.
Side lunges benefits a lot to the players who play tennis. This exercise helps in working the buttocks and inner thighs. In case you suffer from any joint problem especially knees, do not do this exercise without consulting your physician as this might harm your knees further. Also in case you are pregnant, consult your gynecologist before doing this or rather any exercise.
Hence, it can be said that the Side Lunges is unique exercise as it not only works the thighs but also targets the outer and inner thighs, glutes, hips, and in some way works the calves also.