This exercise is fantastic not only for developing strength in your legs, but also for strengthening your core. Balance is a key component of this exercise, along with creating flexibility in your hip flexors. Performing walking lunges after sitting most of the day can be extremely valuable in preserving a strong and healthy back, while also eliminating tension in your hip flexors.
BENEFITS:
Because this exercise requires a large range of motion in your hip joints, it provides a chance for your body to push and pull through a near full range of your stride length, thus making you much more efficient at all paces. By reducing tension in your hip flexors, you’re able to lengthen your stride at roughly the same metabolic rate, which translates to an increased pace while running.
HOW TO:
1
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Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart, your arms by your sides.
2
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Engage your abs and take a big step forward, bending both knees to 90-degree angles, keeping your knees behind your toes.
3
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Push off your back foot, bringing your knee high in front of you, and then take another big step, or lunge, forward.
4
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Continue lunging forward for a total of 10 to 12 steps on each foot.
Remember, keep your core muscles activated and tight—this will help maintain your balance throughout the movement.