Lunge (exercise)

A lunge can refer to any position of the human body where one leg is positioned forward with knee bent and foot flat on the ground while the other leg is positioned behind.[1][2][3] It is used by athletes in cross-training for sports, by weight-trainers as a fitness exercise, and by yogis as part of an asana regimen.

In difference to the Split squat exercise, during the lunge the rear leg is also activated.[4]

Strength training

Lunges are a good exercise for strengthening, sculpting and building several muscles/muscle groups, including the quadriceps (or thighs), the gluteus maximus (or buttocks) as well as the hamstrings.[5] A long lunge emphasizes the use of the gluteals whereas a short lunge emphasizes the quadriceps. The lunge is a basic movement that is fairly simple to do for beginner athletes.

A lunge can be performed using bodyweight alone. However, weight trainers may seek to increase the difficulty using either dumbbells or kettlebells held in each hand, or a barbell held atop the neck and shoulders. Grip strength may be an issue with the dumbbell lunge so practitioners may prefer the barbell lunge.

As a variation, plyometric lunges (also known as split squat jumps) can be performed by jumping explosively between lunge positions.

Yoga

The practice of yoga often includes any number of lunge-related asanas, the names of which vary in different yoga traditions.[6] Examples of Sanskrit names include Anjaneyasana (Anjaneya's pose),[7] Ashwa Sanchalanasana or Aekpaadprasarnaasana (equestrian pose),[8] Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana (extended equestrian pose),[9] and Ardha Mandalasana (half circle pose).[10] Depending on the lineage and circumstances, the back knee can be down or up, the toes may be tucked or untucked, and the arms may be in any number of positions.

Lunge variations are sometimes incorporated as part of Surya Namaskar, a flowing sequence of asanas linked by breath.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Video: Lunge Exercise". Healthy Lifestyle. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 12 December 2012. |first1= missing |last1= in Authors list (help)
  2. ↑ "High Lunge". Poses. Yoga Journal. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  3. ↑ "Forward Lunge". Ace Get Fit. Ace Fitness. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  4. ↑ http://www.livestrong.com/article/541710-what-is-the-difference-between-a-lunge-a-split-squat/
  5. ↑ http://www.musclemagfitness.com/bodybuilding/exercises/lunges.html
  6. ↑ "Poses". Standing Poses. Yoga Journal. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
  7. ↑ "Low Lunge". Yoga Journal. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  8. ↑ "Surya Namashkar". Naveen Yoga. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  9. ↑ "Lunge Pose - Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana". Star Yoga. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
  10. ↑ "Lunge Pose". Yoga Learning Center. Retrieved 17 August 2012.
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