Exercise
The Right Way - Dumbbell Lunges
By Richard Mitchell
Other articles in this series looked at a number of exercises,
mainly from the perspective of developing a comprehensive
muscle building program. Sometimes we take things for granted,
especially when it comes to performing the basic exercises
that constitute the core of most bodybuilders' training
regimes.
It
is useful, therefore, to describe in detail the processes
involved in actually doing these exercises. This will help
beginners to start out using the correct techniques before
moving on to potentially more dangerous heavy weights. If
it also helps more experienced lifters to redress some of
the little faults that have almost imperceptibly crept in
over the years, all the better.
In
this article we'll take a close look at dumbbell lunges.
MUSCLES
TARGETED: quadriceps, gluteals, hamstrings
STARTING
POSITION
Stand
with feet flat and placed less than shoulder width with
toes pointed slightly outward.
Hold
a dumbbell in each hand with the hands facing inwards.
EXERCISE
TECHNIQUE
Step
forward, keeping the back straight.
Bend
the knee of the lead leg until it reaches a 90 degree angle.
The knee of your back leg should be roughly two or three
inches off the ground at this point.
Push
forcefully with your lead leg and return to the starting
position.
Repeat
the exercise with your other leg and continue to alternate
until you reach the intended number of repetitions.
You
should note that varying the length of the step will change
the emphasis of this exercise. A longer step will place
greater emphasis on the hamstring and gluteal muscles. A
shorter step will place greater emphasis on the quadriceps
muscles.
OTHER
EXERCISES WORTH CONSIDERING
A
similar effect can be achieved by performing Barbell Lunges.
Richard
Mitchell is the creator of the bodybuildingadvisor.com website
that provides guidance and information to athletes at all
levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to Bodybuilding Exercises
to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Richard_Mitchell