{"id":1099,"date":"2021-09-23T12:41:19","date_gmt":"2021-09-23T12:41:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.joggo.run\/?p=1099"},"modified":"2024-08-21T14:23:43","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T14:23:43","slug":"walking-lunges-in-your-workout","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/","title":{"rendered":"Walking Lunges in Your Workout \u2013 What, Why, How, and When"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Tired of static lunges? Take your workout to the next level with walking lunges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunges are a single-leg bodyweight exercise you can perform anywhere: at home, in the park, on the trail, in a hotel room when you travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges are a popular variation of static lunges that stretch out your hamstrings and glutes, improve your balance and core strength, and strengthen your lower body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lunge exercises are some of the most effective functional exercises for beginners and intermediate runners. Read on to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_56_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >In This Article:<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#how-to-do-walking-lunges\" title=\"How to Do Walking Lunges\">How to Do Walking Lunges<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#variations-of-walking-lunges\" title=\"Variations of Walking Lunges\">Variations of Walking Lunges<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#reverse-walking-lunge\" title=\"Reverse walking lunge\">Reverse walking lunge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#walking-lunge-with-torso-twist\" title=\"Walking lunge with torso twist\">Walking lunge with torso twist<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#walking-lunges-with-weight\" title=\"Walking lunges with weight\">Walking lunges with weight<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#kettlebell-overhead-walking-lunge\" title=\"Kettlebell overhead walking lunge\">Kettlebell overhead walking lunge<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#safety-and-precautions\" title=\"Safety and Precautions\">Safety and Precautions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#common-mistakes\" title=\"Common Mistakes\">Common Mistakes<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#taking-steps-that-are-too-long\" title=\"Taking steps that are too long\">Taking steps that are too long<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#front-knee-alignment\" title=\"Front knee alignment\">Front knee alignment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#leaning-forward-from-the-hips\" title=\"Leaning forward from the hips\">Leaning forward from the hips<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#feet-too-close-together-while-stepping\" title=\"Feet too close together while stepping\">Feet too close together while stepping<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#lifting-the-front-heel-while-lunging\" title=\"Lifting the front heel while lunging\">Lifting the front heel while lunging<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#what-muscles-are-worked\" title=\"What Muscles Are Worked?\">What Muscles Are Worked?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#benefits-of-walking-lunges\" title=\"Benefits of Walking Lunges\">Benefits of Walking Lunges<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#increased-range-of-motion\" title=\"Increased range of motion\">Increased range of motion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#boosted-functionality\" title=\"Boosted functionality\">Boosted functionality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#strengthened-butt\" title=\"Strengthened butt\">Strengthened butt<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#strengthened-legs\" title=\"Strengthened legs\">Strengthened legs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#improved-core-strength-and-stability\" title=\"Improved core strength and stability\">Improved core strength and stability<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#improved-balance\" title=\"Improved balance\">Improved balance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#symmetrical-toning\" title=\"Symmetrical toning\">Symmetrical toning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#provided-rest-for-the-spine\" title=\"Provided rest for the spine\">Provided rest for the spine<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#incorporating-walking-lunges-into-your-workouts\" title=\"Incorporating Walking Lunges Into Your Workouts\">Incorporating Walking Lunges Into Your Workouts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/walking-lunges-in-your-workout\/#takeaways\" title=\"Takeaways\">Takeaways<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-do-walking-lunges\"><\/span>How to Do Walking Lunges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A lunges workout doesn\u2019t take long. It\u2019s not hard either. It\u2019s great as an intermediate-level exercise, but beginners can do it too. You can adapt its frequency to your training goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re already familiar with static lunges, doing walking lunges shouldn\u2019t be too hard. Here are all the step-by-step instructions you need to do walking lunges correctly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level:<\/strong> Intermediate<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetitions:<\/strong> 10\u201312 per side<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sets:<\/strong> 2\u20133<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand up with your feet at hip distance and your hands on your hips. Your torso and back should be straight, your chin up, and your core engaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a wide step forward. Put the weight into your heel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bend your knee and lower it down until it\u2019s parallel to the floor to enter the lunge position. Stop before your lowered knee touches the floor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pause to maintain the lunge position for a moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Without moving the leg, bring the other foot forward to repeat the previous lunge movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat the movement, alternating the legs and walking forward as you lunge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>On the last rep for each set, bring your back foot to meet your front foot.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> The more open space you have, the easier it is to do walking lunges in succession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"variations-of-walking-lunges\"><\/span>Variations of Walking Lunges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Once you feel comfortable doing simple walking lunges, or if you\u2019re in great shape already, you can try some variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular variations include weighted lunges such as dumbbell lunges and barbell lunges, lunge twists, elevated lunges, backward lunges, and bench lunges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But keep in mind that these require better balance and more core strength than plain single leg lunges or alternating lunges. Progress to them gradually to reduce your risk of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a closer look at the most effective variations of walking lunges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"reverse-walking-lunge\"><\/span>Reverse walking lunge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level:<\/strong> Intermediate to Advanced<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetitions:<\/strong> Up to 12 reps per leg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sets:<\/strong> 2\u20133<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Stand straight with hands by your sides and your core engaged.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a large step backward with one leg and bend both knees into the lunge position. Your legs should form a straight angle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand back up and step backward with your other foot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue to walk backward with each new lunge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat with each leg for the total number of reps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring your legs together and stand straight to pause between reps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"walking-lunge-with-torso-twist\"><\/span>Walking lunge with torso twist<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll need:<\/strong> Free weight or medicine ball<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level:<\/strong> Intermediate to Advanced<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetitions:<\/strong> Up to 12 reps per side<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sets:<\/strong> 1\u20133<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Hold the weight or ball in front of you at chest level with both hands while bending your elbows at a right angle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Begin in the usual walking lunge position with your back straight and feet at hip distance. Engage your core.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step forward with your leg and bend the knee as your foot touches the ground and lower down so that your knee is parallel to the floor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain the position for a moment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Holding the weight still, twist your upper body to the right from the torso.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Twist your torso back and lunge forward with your other leg and repeat the movement.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walk forward as you lunge and twist.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"walking-lunges-with-weight\"><\/span>Walking lunges with weight<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll need:<\/strong> Two dumbbells or barbells<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level:<\/strong> Intermediate to Advanced<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetitions:<\/strong> Up to 12 reps per leg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sets:<\/strong> 2\u20133<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Grab a set of dumbbells in each hand. Hold your arms at your sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand with your torso and back straight.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step forward with one leg while keeping your arms relaxed at your sides.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bend your knee and lower your other leg to the floor in the classic bodyweight walking lunge position. When your back knee almost touches the floor, hold the position for a second.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move your other foot forward, repeating the movement with the other leg.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeat alternating the legs, walking forward as you lunge.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>The same steps you do for dumbbell walking lunges apply to other weighted walking lunges too. If you use barbells, position the bar across your trapezius muscles between your shoulder blades at the top of your back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"kettlebell-overhead-walking-lunge\"><\/span>Kettlebell overhead walking lunge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You\u2019ll need:<\/strong> Light kettlebells<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Level:<\/strong> Intermediate to Advanced<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Repetitions:<\/strong> Up to 12 reps per leg<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Sets:<\/strong> 1\u20133<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Steps:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>Hold the kettlebell in one hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stand straight with your back straight and core engaged, your feet at shoulder distance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Raise your arms and press the kettlebell overhead, fully extending your arms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take a step forward into the lunge position and hold it for a moment, keeping your body stable, so you don\u2019t fall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bring your other leg through to perform a walking lunge.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>You can also do an overhead walking lunge variation with one kettlebell to make the exercise more challenging. It will challenge your balance and work your core even more. When using one kettlebell, simply extend your free arm to the side so that it forms a 90-degree angle with your raised arm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"safety-and-precautions\"><\/span>Safety and Precautions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges require coordination and balance. You have to do them carefully, or you may pull a muscle or lose your balance and fall. Be extra careful when using weights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some safety tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>If you\u2019re just getting into shape, start with static lunges and then slowly progress to walking lunges and variations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/stretches-before-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Warm up<\/a> with simple stretches and other easy warm-up routines before doing lunges.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you don\u2019t trust your balance yet, try lunges in your room or on the grass rather than on the street or another cemented or paved surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step out wide enough so that you don\u2019t risk knee <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/common-runners-foot-injuries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">injuries<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep your back straight and chin up throughout the exercise.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you suffer from <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/runners-knee\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">knee pain<\/a>, do step-ups instead to avoid straining your knees. Step-ups work the same muscles as walking lunges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"common-mistakes\"><\/span>Common Mistakes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now let\u2019s look at some common walking lunges mistakes and how you can avoid them. Don\u2019t slack off on the form, or you won\u2019t work your muscles properly and increase the risk of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"taking-steps-that-are-too-long\"><\/span>Taking steps that are too long<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges require wide steps \u2013 wider than your <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/steps-to-miles-conversion-how-many-steps-to-target-in-a-day\/\">normal steps<\/a>. But you still want to watch out for overstriding, which will make the stretch uncomfortable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solution:<\/strong> Aim for a step of about two feet forward from the back foot. Both knees should be close to forming a right-angle as you hold the lunge for a moment before switching to the other leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"front-knee-alignment\"><\/span>Front knee alignment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The front knee and the toes should stay aligned. Letting your front knee cave inward as you lunge is rushing the exercise, and you don\u2019t want that. It can cause injury or make existing knee pain worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solution: <\/strong>Lower your back knee slowly to the ground. To prevent the front knee from shifting inward as you stand, engage your glutes and hips to realign the knee and toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"leaning-forward-from-the-hips\"><\/span>Leaning forward from the hips<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The momentum of moving forward to perform walking lunges may make your torso lean forward. But this can hurt your lower back and disengage your core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solution: <\/strong>Begin with your chest straight, chin up, and core engaged, and perform the lunges more slowly. Pause for a moment between each lunge at the point of maximum stretch, rather than following the momentum of a forward lean to speed up the set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"feet-too-close-together-while-stepping\"><\/span>Feet too close together while stepping<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Good feet placement is key for proper form. Place your feet too close, and you may lose your balance and break form or fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solution:<\/strong> Keep your feet at hip distance apart for optimal stability. Also, make sure your step feels natural.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"lifting-the-front-heel-while-lunging\"><\/span>Lifting the front heel while lunging<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you lift the front heel as you bend, you strain your knee while also misaligning your front leg. The correct way to do a walking lunge is to keep the front heel firmly planted on the floor until you bring your back leg forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Solution: <\/strong>Do the exercise more slowly, paying attention to your heel at the top and bottom of each lunge. Make sure that your front knee doesn\u2019t become misaligned with your toes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what-muscles-are-worked\"><\/span>What Muscles Are Worked?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges are great for strengthening your lower body because they work all the main muscles there. Walking lunges work the following muscles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/hip-strengthening-and-mobility-exercises\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hips<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quadriceps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hamstrings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/best-calf-exercises-for-big-calves\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Calves<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, lunges also work your abs by engaging your core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"benefits-of-walking-lunges\"><\/span>Benefits of Walking Lunges<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>More than working your muscles, walking lunges have some notable benefits. Walking lunges boost flexibility and functionality, strengthen legs, and more. Let\u2019s take these one at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> If you\u2019re wondering how to stay in shape while you travel, walking lunges can be part of the answer. You can do them without equipment in your hotel room or just about anywhere you can find a bit of space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"increased-range-of-motion\"><\/span>Increased range of motion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tight hamstrings and hip muscles? Loosen them up with walking lunges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges are one of the exercises that activate these muscles and<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19321909\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> boost hip flexibility<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Improving your hip flexibility is great if you run frequently as it improves your balance and <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/how-to-fix-your-arms-posture-while-running\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">posture<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"boosted-functionality\"><\/span>Boosted functionality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Functional exercises like walking lunges replicate everyday movements by working the same muscles. By doing so, they<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4640053\/?report=classic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> boost functionality<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, stepping forward to pick something that\u2019s fallen can become easier once walking lunges become part of your workout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"strengthened-butt\"><\/span>Strengthened butt<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the same source cited above, walking lunges are good if you want to tone the gluteal muscles. To put it simply, you\u2019ll be strengthening your butt. This can improve your running speed, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"strengthened-legs\"><\/span>Strengthened legs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stronger legs can make you a better runner by improving your movement and reducing the risk of injury so you can train consistently. Walking lunges work your quads, hamstrings, and calves effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"improved-core-strength-and-stability\"><\/span>Improved core strength and stability<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When done right, lunges also engage your core and<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21877146\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> improve core stability<\/a>. A strong, stable core will make it easier to have a <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/running-form-tips-on-how-to-run-properly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">good posture when running<\/a>. It will also reduce your risk of injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"improved-balance\"><\/span>Improved balance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges can<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6006536\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> improve balance<\/a>. Balance is important during everyday movements and especially when running. It can help you recover when tripped or when falling to minimize injuries. It contributes to a better running posture overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"symmetrical-toning\"><\/span>Symmetrical toning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Another reason to do walking lunges is that they can<a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19387378\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> aid symmetrical toning<\/a>. An asymmetrical body means some muscles have to work harder than others. When muscles on both sides of your body are close to symmetrical, your muscles work together as one unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"provided-rest-for-the-spine\"><\/span>Provided rest for the spine<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Last but not least, walking lunges can<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5094840\/?report=classic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> provide rest for the spine<\/a>. If your spine is under constant strain because of sitting and other reasons, it may impact your running performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"incorporating-walking-lunges-into-your-workouts\"><\/span>Incorporating Walking Lunges Into Your Workouts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Walking lunges can be part of a full-body strength workout or an as-many-reps-as-possible (AMRAP) workout. They can be integrated into a lower body challenge workout that helps you develop muscles you may otherwise neglect. And you can also add walking lunges to a high-intensity interval <a href=\"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/best-running-training-methods\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can do walking lunges 2\u20133 times a week for optimal results or according to your personalized plan. There are many more variations you can try if you want to up the difficulty, from jumping lunges to lunges with a bicep curl. Don\u2019t shy away from exploring them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"takeaways\"><\/span>Takeaways<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the end, here are the things you want to remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Walking lunges are a more advanced variation on the static lunge. They work your hips, glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core and improve your lower body strength, balance, and flexibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can do them anywhere, even if you don\u2019t have much open space around you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>While you can do walking lunges every day, it\u2019s best to do them 2\u20133 times a week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do up to 3 sets of walking lunges in a day to maximize the benefits of this exercise while avoiding overtraining and injury.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Walking lunges can make your thighs and butt bigger because they work both muscle groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don\u2019t do walking lunges with weights until you feel comfortable with simple walking lunges, or you may risk injury.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019ve done walking lunges before or not, try them next time you work out.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tired of static lunges? Take your workout to the next level with walking lunges. Lunges are a single-leg bodyweight exercise&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1101,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"22","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,21,20],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1099"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1099"}],"version-history":[{"count":62,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1099\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4241,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1099\/revisions\/4241"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1101"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1099"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joggo.run\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1099"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}