By Gemma Delaney

Kick aside your mundane routine and embrace the power of lateral lunges – a silver bullet workout that not only tones your legs but also enhances the overall flexibility of your lower body. Wondering what exactly makes this workout stand out?

Renowned fitness expert and level 3 certified personal trainer, Sarah Gerard, bestows upon us the insight that lateral lunges are indeed a treasure trove of benefits unexplored by many. According to her, these lunges are uniquely positioned to sculpt the often overlooked inner thigh muscles and work your glutes to perfection.

But the advantages aren’t confined to physical shaping alone — lateral lunges boost your mobility and balance. Stepping out sideways from your comfort zone enables you to explore a whole new degree of movement, pushing you beyond the conventional up and down, back and forth exercises.

Perfect for those who prefer a targeted workout, the lateral lunge is an ideal unilateral (single-limb) movement enabling you to work one side of your body at a time, contributing generously to injury prevention and stability. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect lateral lunges:

Performing the Lateral Lunge

1. Start by standing tall with your feet hip-width apart and toes facing forward. Place your hands on your hips for balance.
2. Keeping your core engaged, your back flat, and your right leg straight, take a large step out to your left with your left foot. As you do, bend your left knee and lower your body until your left thigh is parallel with the floor.
3. Reverse the movement to return to the standing position and repeat, this time with your right leg. Keep alternating sides with every rep.

Insider Tips to Perfect This Exercise:

• Leaning into the lunge ensures an invigorating stretch for your adductors and groin. The wider you step, and further you push your hips back, the more intense the stretch.
• Lower yourself while pushing your hips back. Remember to drive through the heel of your grounded leg to engage the glute likewise.
• If your heels are lifting off, reduce the stride length. Maintaining form ensures that all the right muscles share the load without adding strain to your knees.
• You might find your feet wanting to turn outwards. Keep them facing forward to ensure your hips and body alignment is maintained.
• Keep your torso upright and chest lifted. If you wish to make the exercise more challenging, hold a dumbbell against your chest.

Remember ladies, perfection lies in practice-

Featured in the photo: Sustainable Fashion Brand’s Color Block Body Fit Leggings (£35), Seamless Sports Bra (£30), New Fitness Brand’s Fresh Foam Running Shoes (£140), and Simply Trainer Socks (£12).

lateral lunges, leg strength, flexibility, muscle tone, balance, mobility, workout routine