Forward lunges vs. reverse lunges

[JDkeystone]

Does anyone struggle with reverse lunges as much as I do?? The forward lunges I'm fine with, but I can NEVER keep my balance with reverse lunges (nor do I feel as much of a burn doing them, but that's prolly cuz I'm not doing them correctly, either).

But ever since my trainer learned I have difficulty with the reverse, he's now insisting I do ONLY the reverse on my weight lifting days. Today was a lifting day (it's usually Sundays and Thursdays), and I honestly tried to do the reverse lunges only, but after 2 sets, all I felt was minimal burn and high frustration, so I finally just gave up and went back to doing my regular forwards.

I know my trainer is just trying to get me to learn new things and expand my physical capabilities, but is doing one or the other really going to make that much of a difference in terms of results?

[kimm4]

They do work the same muscles. Reverse lunges put less stress on the knees and build knee strength. Building knee strength is great and will help to improve your normal leg workouts. Reverse lunges also help with balance and stability. Practice reverse lunges with no weights while holding onto a wall or some piece of gym equipment. It will get easier each time.

[JDkeystone]

God I hope so lol. My PT said he'll be "testing" me at our next session to see how much I've improved on the reverse, but I have a feeling not much will have changed. Meh I'll give it another go tomorrow.

[ktjfin]

I like both but I really like doing reverse lunges on the smith machine.... they are a killer and a pain in the butt.... literally

[MJJRules]

I have trouble keeping my balance on fwd lunges, I couldn't even attempt reverse lol

[bebeklein]

I like both but I really like doing reverse lunges on the smith machine.... they are a killer and a pain in the butt.... literally

How much weight do you use KT?

[dvsness]

I like to mix them up - forward, reverse, stationary, walking. They are all good leg stimulus.

[txlftngrl]

hey i have the same problem! i thought it was just me, but I cant seem to keep my balance with reverse lunges either(or split squats) so I just stayed away...but I want to try adding them to my routine! sorry i have no advice just wanted to say that, lol. good luck!



tex

[JVo]

When doing forward and reverse lunges, do you guys alternate legs, or use one leg at a time?

Also, in terms of doing reverse lunges on the smith machine....it seems like naturally there's some reverse movement in the reverse lunge....which you wouldn't be able to do on the smith machine. But I guess it's okay to use the smith machine anyway for this?

[ktjfin]

How much weight do you use KT?

Sorry I took so long to respond but I start with 20 lbs on each side and go up to 30 it really gets me out of breath lol

[mikenteresa]

I must be backwards!!! Id do reverse lunges any day over forward ones! And I feel them more in my butt. The smith machine or a max rack work great to help keep you inline. It just takes practice, i guess. My knees are touchy, and the rev. lunges dont seem to bother them like forwards ones.