Trouble with lunges...

tracieangeletti

I am starting a new program that calls for barbell lunges. I have MS and my balance sucks so I feel much more comfortable with squats. My question is, will it effect me negatively if I substituted these lunges with a different type of squat? I will already be doing barbell squats but I heard there are different types of squats I could try. Is there a different squat you'd suggest to try? Are lunges that important and a squat wouldn't be the same? Just trying to keep safe and being off balance with the oly bar sorta scares me. Any ideas?? Thanks!!

DrMAvDPhD

You could try split squats (squats in a lunge position with one leg forward). Or you could do dumbbell lunges, where the weights are held lower and less likely to throw off your balance.

tracieangeletti

Thanks I will have to look up split squats and try them. Any other types to try? Will not doing lunges ruin gains? Is there a huge benefit to doing lunges you won't get from squats? Gotta do this workout tomorrow so the more info I have the better!!

EmmieBaby

for me squats burn my thighs, split squats/lunges burn my calf and thighs.

sweetNsassy2584

Start out doing the lunges without the weights at first. You don't have to go that deep and practicing could be beneficial.

contingencyplan

I have very similar issues as a result of a neurological disorder. I do my lunges with the assistance of a suspension trainer. It helps a LOT! If you have motor control problems that hinder balance and can lead to poor form during exercises, a suspension trainer is the single best fitness investment you will ever make.

BEERRUNNER

You could try split squats (squats in a lunge position with one leg forward). Or you could do dumbbell lunges, where the weights are held lower and less likely to throw off your balance.

^^^ This is what I do. Lunges with dumbells! Its amazing!!!!

baileysmom4

Try doing the lunge holding onto something before using weights. Maybe once you are stronger you will be able to balance better.

KatLifter

You could try split squats (squats in a lunge position with one leg forward). Or you could do dumbbell lunges, where the weights are held lower and less likely to throw off your balance.

^^^ This is what I do. Lunges with dumbells! Its amazing!!!!

Split squats are another name for lunges...
Here is a great article with video on how to improve your lunges/split squats and proper form http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/sharpen-your-split-squat-skills/

tracieangeletti

Thanks so much for the.replies!! I have lots of info to check out now. :-) Might end up doing the lunges with dumbbells like I've been doing. I really don't think its a strength issue as much as it is a really awful balance issue. Been working on it for about a year and a half and it just doesn't seem to get any better. My doctor jokes with me and says not to climb any ladders but unfortunately that's really close to the truth. Was trying to get away from dumbbells cuz they are starting to get really big and bulky to use but if lunges are that beneficial I'll just have to deal with big and bulky! Lol Never heard of a suspension trainer before. Will have to see what that's all about. Thanks again!

DrMAvDPhD

You could try split squats (squats in a lunge position with one leg forward). Or you could do dumbbell lunges, where the weights are held lower and less likely to throw off your balance.

^^^ This is what I do. Lunges with dumbells! Its amazing!!!!

Split squats are another name for lunges...
Here is a great article with video on how to improve your lunges/split squats and proper form http://www.girlsgonestrong.com/sharpen-your-split-squat-skills/

When I said split squats, I meant the type where you are in a lunge position but you just bend down and straighten. You don't step back and forth. This takes a lot of the balance challenge out of the equation.