Walking lunges with weights

rileyes
rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
edited June 2015 in Fitness and Exercise
I have been doing single-arm farmers walking lunges with a 15lb kettlebell. I do 28 walking lunges (each side) and 28 w/KB overhead (w/crunches between each) ending with KB swings. My question is, would it be better to hold a 10lb DB in each hand for the walking lunges? Or is the single-arm KB equivalent with better core work?

My space is not ideal to be walking with a barbell (bumping into things and unstable surface) so that is not an option.
(Edit: I only have one 15lb KB and two 10lb DBs)

Replies

  • Cass2025
    Cass2025 Posts: 82 Member
    I would use the two 10lbs DB to do the walking lunges, but when you do it keep your core tight and do deep lunges you will still feel the burn!
  • naxeea
    naxeea Posts: 138 Member
    Is lunging making your thighs big?
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    rileyes wrote: »
    I have been doing single-arm farmers walking lunges with a 15lb kettlebell. I do 28 walking lunges (each side) and 28 w/KB overhead (w/crunches between each) ending with KB swings. My question is, would it be better to hold a 10lb DB in each hand for the walking lunges? Or is the single-arm KB equivalent with better core work?

    My space is not ideal to be walking with a barbell (bumping into things and unstable surface) so that is not an option.
    (Edit: I only have one 15lb KB and two 10lb DBs)

    It really depends on what you want to accomplish. If your goal of doing lunges is to improve strength in your legs, hips, and glutes, then do the lunges with a DB or KB in each hand. This will keep you more balanced so you can focus on loading your legs; of course your core muscles will get some work as well. If you need to focus on your Core a little more, then single-arm carries are a great way to work on it as you have to stabilize yourself from being pulled to one side by the weight. Training economy is good but sometimes it can be overdone to an extent. The walking lunge is excellent for strengthening your legs and you should use weight that allows you to really push those muscles.
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    Thanks all. I am about to do the routine with 10lb DBs (keeping a tight core). I began with the farmers walks (kettlebell) for shoulder health and grip strength. I'll see if there is a big difference.

    And as far as thighs?--totally slimming and defining. It will take a lot more weight to make them thunderous --alas, one day.
  • Sam_I_Am77
    Sam_I_Am77 Posts: 2,093 Member
    rileyes wrote: »
    Thanks all. I am about to do the routine with 10lb DBs (keeping a tight core). I began with the farmers walks (kettlebell) for shoulder health and grip strength. I'll see if there is a big difference.

    And as far as thighs?--totally slimming and defining. It will take a lot more weight to make them thunderous --alas, one day.

    I do various carries myself and I think you'll notice a difference by doing them with one arm at a time. Different overhead variations with a DB/KB or even a BB are pretty challenging and "fun". :)
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    edited June 2015
    You are right @Sam_I_Am77. Me and my big mouth. Update: DBs were tougher. No. Arm. Rest. And 5lbs more overhead (last rep) made me look forward to the KB swings. The core is still targeted to balance the lunges.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    There is no right or wrong answer. Balanced carries would theoretically allow you to drive harder and focus more on the legs; unbalanced carries will engage your core to a greater degree. The differences will be modest at best. Keep in mind that, even with increased core activation, the effect of enhanced core activation will plateau over time as your body adapts to the movement. This is especially true if you use the same weights and holds. So don't get too hung up on the details, or which is "best". Do a variety of things to keep it interesting.
  • bmchenry02
    bmchenry02 Posts: 233 Member
    ok I feel dumb for not thinking of doing this variation of walking lunges. I've always just carried weights at my sides. I bet above the head feels really good on your core and great for balance too…

    I agree with azdak too…I've been doing the same variation for too long and have adapted. Not any more! thx.
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    I think I have adapted. I don't get sore from this workout but it still take a lot out of me. I am trying out new whole body moves with added weight to mix it up.

    I was thinking about taking the single-arm kettlebell swing up a notch maybe invest in a heavier KB every month.

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