Exercise the right way - dumbbell lunges
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises,
mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive muscle
building program. Sometimes we take things for granted,
especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises that
constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training regimes.
It is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes
involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help
beginners to start out using the correct techniques before moving
on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If it also helps
more experienced lifters to redress some of the little faults
that have almost imperceptibly crept in over the years, all the
better.
In this article we'll take a close look at dumbbell lunges.
MUSCLES TARGETED: quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings
STARTING POSITION
Stand with feet flat and placed less than shoulder width with
toes pointed slightly outward.
Hold a dumbbell in each hand with the hands facing inwards.
EXERCISE TECHNIQUE
Step forward, keeping the back straight.
Bend the knee of the lead leg until it reaches a 90 degree angle.
The knee of your back leg should be roughly two or three inches
off the ground at this point.
Push forcefully with your lead leg and return to the starting
position.
Repeat the exercise with your other leg and continue to alternate
until you reach the intended number of repetitions.
You should note that varying the length of the step will change
the emphasis of this exercise. A longer step will place greater
emphasis on the hamstring and gluteal muscles. A shorter step
will place greater emphasis on the quadriceps muscles.
OTHER EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
A similar effect can be achieved by performing Barbell Lunges.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the
www.bodybuildingadvisor.com
website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all
levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises
to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
See Also:
Index of All Body Building & Fitness Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
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