Aside from the obvious answer that one goes forward and the other backward, what are the differences between forward and backward lunges? I’ve noticed that backward lunges make my knees feel funny, which makes me think I should avoid them. Forward lunges, on the other hand, don’t make my knees hurt.
Any thoughts as to why? Are forward and backward lunges working different muscle groups or putting different strains on the knees?
Mark Verstegen has two different lunges in his Core Performance book; I like them both and they serve different purposes – they are more dynamic warmup stretches than for strength. When you do the backward lunge, you are more assured of getting the correct knee angle than when you do the forward lunge (my observation).
The backward lunge should be similar in feel and result to the forward lunge. It’s a little easier to perform than the forward due to where you’re center of gravity is at the start/end of the motion. If you are getting ‘funny’ feelings in your knees you may want to do them in front of a mirror to make sure you are stepping back properly.
There are a variety of different ‘types’ of lunges that can be a good way to mix up an otherwise boring portion of normal lower body workouts. Some require more balance/core strength than others. The book referenced above “Core Performance” by Mark Verstegen (there may be a newer edition out now) is an excellent resource.
I normally have my clients do reverse lunges…it is so much easier for them to do them with correct form (e.g., pelvic rotation, keeping the knee plumb-line behind the toe.)
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I feel pretty confident that his programs include more than two kinds of lunges.
Forward
Backwards
valslide (sp)
w/ weights
…
-Jot
my PT has me doing both types right now
you may need to strengthen your VMO muscles - they help stabilize knees
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**you may need to strengthen your VMO muscles **
I thought that’s what kegels were for.
-Jot
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/knee/vmo.php
joke went over my cute little head.
Ah…the old patellar tracking issues. Hope it gets better.
-Jot
i think the more appropriate question is why are you doing lunges?
i think the more appropriate question is why are you doing lunges?
It’s been a long time since I’ve caught you asking a stupid question.
It’s because races are now: swim, bike, run, lunge.
How are you going to get better without specificity?
I can’t believe you didn’t get the memo.
-Jot
my athletic trainer has lunges as a part of a whole bunch of stuff to strengthen my hips. I’ve got all kinds of bodyweight “lifting” exercises now. Don’t tell DD I’m “lifting”
I’m perfectly fine with lifting weights to address functional strength differences if needed or to rehab injuries, although in that case I think you need to correct the underlying biomechanical problems first.
As far a prehab, i think doing something different in your s/b/r training might be a better solution then prehab/rehab. better to nip it in the bud then let it fester.
I’m perfectly fine with lifting weights to address functional strength differences if needed or to rehab injuries, although in that case I think you need to correct the underlying biomechanical problems first.
As far a prehab, i think doing something different in your s/b/r training might be a better solution then prehab/rehab. better to nip it in the bud then let it fester.
I admittedly screwed up about five different things. I learned something - lots of things, actually.
The thing is, after enough remorse, the running gods should just reach down and heal you.
And as for that ledge, you should see some of my fancy dives.