Benefits of lunges: 3 things to know
3 notable benefits of lunges are:
1.) They strengthen lower body strength.
2.) They stretch the hip flexors and psoas muscles.
3.) They improve balance which reduces the likelihood of falling.
Lunges can be considered essential for active adults.
Remember Tim Conway’s hilarious little old man character taking tiny steps as he slowly shuffled across a room?
It’s not really funny if you end up walking like that but it’s possible if you don’t stretch your hip flexors!
You could lose your healthy gait and pace if you aren’t mindful and intentional about doing lunges.
Mobility and strength
When the forward knee is bent, and the other foot is stretched far enough back that the heel is lifted, both legs benefit from stretching and strengthening.
The front leg strengthens the quadriceps (the four powerful muscles in the front of the thigh that support and stabilize your knees) and the back leg stretches the hip flexors, vital to maintaining a full stride.
Practice lunges consistently
Practicing lunges regularly could make the difference in getting yourself up again after a fall. Even if you crawl to a chair for assistance (which could be very smart), you need quad strength to lift your body back to upright.
Do a lunge every time you are at the kitchen sink! It’s a great place to hold on until you build your strength.
Consider attaching your new habit of lunges to another habit that’s already ingrained, like brushing your teeth.
Share your thoughts in the comment box below…
What is your plan for creating a habit of daily lunges?
What non-productive habit can you replace with this good one? Hint: do your lunges when watching TV!
12 Secrets teaches how to make consistent changes in life that bring you the life you really want!
This post was updated from August 22, 2018.
I just had my second knee replacement and modified lunges are part of my therapy. I will continue them after the therapy is ended.
Hi Baby, this is Penny, with 2 artificial knees, can I do the lunges? Love you.
Great question! There is a modified lunge that could be appropriate depending on when you had the replacement surgery and if you had any complications following surgery.