This is SO GOOD. I can't get through it because I keep going back to listen to things over. Just the first part has answered two of my questions and everything else the two of you have said has been so helpful. My main question was: WHY? Why should I bother with lunges when I have such a hard time feeling comfortable with them? Maillard gave a great explanation of why they are valuable that was inspiring. The other thing was simple: 90 degrees. I'll keep watching and in the meantime I have added split squats back into my workouts.
Yeah!! I will say, I’m not sure I 100% agree with Maillard about 90 degrees. I think it can be helpful if your knees hurt but it’s also generally fine and not unsafe to go past 90 (my natural lunge goes past 90). I think you just have to experiment a bit and feel it out! But so glad you’re finding this useful.
I tried split squats today with the 90 degree angle and was very surprised at how far back I had to get my back leg in order to keep the angle. Even with the wide stance. It felt okay on my knees, which was good, but it didn't feel natural. I'll keep experimenting. Two other super helpful things: what you said about a slight hinge being okay and what Maillard said about letting your legs go outside of the railroad tracks.
I see why Maillard Howell is one of your favorite coaches ever! Such a great explainer.
Isn’t he great??
This was so helpful! Thank you both!
So much clarity! Thank you
Yayyy!
Thank you! This is super helpful. My knees do hurt often when I do lunges, so I'm going to try all of the variations and do those warmups first!
Ahh I’m so glad! Report back if you can!
This is SO GOOD. I can't get through it because I keep going back to listen to things over. Just the first part has answered two of my questions and everything else the two of you have said has been so helpful. My main question was: WHY? Why should I bother with lunges when I have such a hard time feeling comfortable with them? Maillard gave a great explanation of why they are valuable that was inspiring. The other thing was simple: 90 degrees. I'll keep watching and in the meantime I have added split squats back into my workouts.
Yeah!! I will say, I’m not sure I 100% agree with Maillard about 90 degrees. I think it can be helpful if your knees hurt but it’s also generally fine and not unsafe to go past 90 (my natural lunge goes past 90). I think you just have to experiment a bit and feel it out! But so glad you’re finding this useful.
I tried split squats today with the 90 degree angle and was very surprised at how far back I had to get my back leg in order to keep the angle. Even with the wide stance. It felt okay on my knees, which was good, but it didn't feel natural. I'll keep experimenting. Two other super helpful things: what you said about a slight hinge being okay and what Maillard said about letting your legs go outside of the railroad tracks.