How to Do the Lunge With Twist

Also Known As: Lunge with a twist, Lunge Twists

Targets: abdominals, glutes, quads, hip flexors, and hamstrings

Equipment Needed: None; medicine ball, dumbbells, or weights optional

Level: Beginner

The lunge with twist exercise is a great core exercise that builds lower body strength. Performing the lunge while holding and rotating a medicine ball from right to left engages the quads, glutes, and core while improving balance and proprioception.

This type of stability exercise isolates your quads and hamstrings with the lunge. By adding the twisting motion (with or without added weight) your glutes contract more fully as you engage your core.

The lunge with a twist is also a great way to challenge your balance and engage the muscles used for any exercise you perform one leg at a time, such as running, cross country skiing, and even cycling. You can also use lunge twists as a warm-up for these workouts.

1. Stand with feet about shoulder-width apart.
2. If you're using a medicine ball, hold it in front of you with elbows bent about 90 degrees. If you're just starting out, you may want to perform the move without weights until you build up your strength.
3. With your left foot, step forward into a basic lunge position.
4. As you bend your knee, be sure to keep your knee over your left foot—don't twist at the knee.
5. From your torso, twist your upper body to the left. Keep your core engaged and squeeze your glutes.
6. Reach across your left side with your arms outstretched.
7. In a slow, controlled movement, bring your arms to the center.
8. Step forward with the right foot as you twist to the opposite side.
9. Continue this movement for about ten steps.
10. Aim to complete two sets of 10 reps for each side.

You're Twisting Your Knees

To avoid injury and get the benefit of a solid core workout, makes sure you're twisting from your torso in your lunge. The movement should come from your ribs rather than your lower body.

Your Lunge Position is Off

In every lunge you do, keep an eye on your form. Before you start your lunge, check to make sure:

• You're facing forward
• Your back is straight with shoulders back
• Your core is engaged

As you lunge, be sure to keep your knees in alignment—don't let them get ahead of your toes, as this can strain your quads.

Need a Modification?

If you don't have a lot of strength and stability in your hips or knees, start out taking it easy with lunges. While you generally want your knees to be at a 90-degree angle in a deep lunge, it's best to take it slow and work up to that form if it's uncomfortable for you. If your knee is giving and collapsing as you bend, you may need to do more shallow lunges until you build up your strength.

Up for a Challenge?

To increase the difficulty, try performing the lunge with a twist barefoot. Without the additional support of shoes, the small muscles of your feet and ankles must become engaged to maintain your balance.

Turn the move into a Walking Medicine Ball Lunge by performing the exercise as you walk forward 10 steps.

The easiest way to challenge yourself with lunges is to increase the number of reps or sets you do as you gain strength and endurance.

If you have a knee or hip injury or are recovering from surgery, you may want to avoid exercises like lunges until you're healed. Ask your doctor, physical therapist, or trainer for suggestions, modifications, similar moves you can add to your workout as you rehabilitate and heal.

As always, it's a good idea to chat with your doctor before you start a new workout or add a new exercise to your routine.

Here are a few exercises that target the same muscle groups as lunges and lunge twists you can add to your workout:

• Glute stretches and exercises
• Dumbbell Lunges
• Lunges for hips, glutes, and thighs
• Squat Jumps