Lunges harder than squats or is it me?

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Replies

  • sunglasses_and_ocean_waves
    sunglasses_and_ocean_waves Posts: 2,757 Member
    Hate lunges, don't mind squats, love deadlifts. <3
  • sammniamii
    sammniamii Posts: 669 Member
    I can't do lunges (front type) to save myself. I always fall or pull a muscle. I was told to use a chair for balance, if I'm at the gym I use one of the stepper platforms from the circuit training area, but I still have issues.

    Squats on the other hand I can do, alot (highest count was 225).
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  • JustAGirl0916
    JustAGirl0916 Posts: 1,020
    Agree with you...Lunges are harder!
  • taunto
    taunto Posts: 6,420 Member
    I think many have their "difficult" workouts. I, like you, find lunges a pain in the butt yet doing 80 kgs of squats isn't as bad as people tell me it is.
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member
    I also do lunges after squats, so take it for what it's worth...

    I think the stability strains are different. With squats, my feet are shoulder width apart and in line with each other, so it requires more of a front-to-back stabilizing. Lunges are just the opposite... stance very narrow (side to side), but one foot far in front of the other... so this requires much more side-to-side stabilizing.

    Lunges also put all the strain on one leg...


    Ultimately I think it has to do with which one challenges your weakness the most, so it's based on your ability and how heavy you are going.

    .

    I agree. I also do lunges after squats.
  • Jonesie1984
    Jonesie1984 Posts: 612 Member
    Barbell lunges set my glutes on fire lol.. but then that is my weaker muscle group.. but then, that's why I do them.

    Operation: CAKES :bigsmile:
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member

    I've been doing lunges with dumbbells in each hand, but they are getting too heavy... I need to move ot barbell lunges soon...

    I don't like weights crushing down on the body... In my own weird mind I believe that weight is destroying all my muscle gains and bone!

    Do lunges with a bar across your back and your front foot up on a Step bench.
    You'll be feeling all kinds of muscles...:noway:
  • krhn
    krhn Posts: 781 Member

    I've been doing lunges with dumbbells in each hand, but they are getting too heavy... I need to move ot barbell lunges soon...

    I don't like weights crushing down on the body... In my own weird mind I believe that weight is destroying all my muscle gains and bone!

    Do lunges with a bar across your back and your front foot up on a Step bench.
    You'll be feeling all kinds of muscles...:noway:

    :laugh:
  • katy_trail
    katy_trail Posts: 1,992 Member
    so are you doing them with a barbell or dumb bells? I find a huge improvement in my balance if I use BB.

    for the others,
    for more emphasis in the glutes try a bulgairan split squat or 1 leg squats.
    straight leg deads are great for the whole hamstring/glutes area too.
    and weighted bridges
  • karrielynn80
    karrielynn80 Posts: 395 Member
    This is just a personal preference, but I think lunges are way easier than squats!!! But I have never been a fan of the squat, and I feel like I am never doing it right..... I'm probably just making excuses. Or I have a super weak butt. Dunno.

    Nope i agree.
    For me, I can do 100 walking lunges & never feel a thing. NOW weighted lunghes - different story. but good ole' regular lunges do not hit me at all (even with db's or something in my arms) the weight has to be on my shoulders & heavy to have an effect..

    that being said i started 1 legged squats today -best of both worlds i think lol
  • funforsports
    funforsports Posts: 2,656 Member
    Lunges can be tough and can challenge you a bit on your balance. One thing that has helped me is to grip out as far as I can on the barbell while lunging, definitely helps the balance. Think of the opposite of squats, where you pull your hands in as close as you can to your body, lunges pull your hands as far away from your body as you can.
  • MostlyWater
    MostlyWater Posts: 4,294 Member
    i assume it's a balance issue, at least for me.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,031 Member
    Balancing on two legs is easier than one.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • krhn
    krhn Posts: 781 Member
    Balancing on two legs is easier than one.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    :wink: that's why! XD
  • stephaniemejia1671
    stephaniemejia1671 Posts: 482 Member
    Oddly enough I also do the same thing 5 sets of squats and then a few sets of lunges, and I agree. The change of stance I think is what makes it harder, I'm strong when I squat but those darn lunges.. they still make me feel weak. Lol.
  • DesDawn24
    DesDawn24 Posts: 147 Member
    I definitely agree! I can't do them without weights, and even when I use weights I lose my balance quite often. It's so much more of a struggle to do lunges than squats.
  • SaBh93
    SaBh93 Posts: 114 Member
    lunges literally kill me. squats are too easy.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    I do dumbbell lunges after squats also. They are definitely difficult. The balancing aspect seems to add a whole other level to working the muscles. They work many of the same muscle but seem to target them differently than squats.
  • Ivian_
    Ivian_ Posts: 276 Member
    I avoid lunges like the plague. I rather do 200lb pistols than do lunges! Come to think of it, I rather do BURPEES than do lunges! :noway:
  • Jersey_Devil
    Jersey_Devil Posts: 4,142 Member
    lunges make me feel like this
    tumblr_m7phv0PRHs1r8egomo1_400.gif
  • fit_grrrl
    fit_grrrl Posts: 32
    Weighted walking lunges - My best cardio workout

    I do hate stationary lunges unless they are done backwards or to the side :)
  • tracywaz
    tracywaz Posts: 53 Member
    I avoid lunges like the plague. I rather do 200lb pistols than do lunges! Come to think of it, I rather do BURPEES than do lunges! :noway:

    WOW!!! I hate lunges, but burpees are my all time yuck. I'm pretty sure if there is a hell, they are doing burpees there.
  • krhn
    krhn Posts: 781 Member
    I avoid lunges like the plague. I rather do 200lb pistols than do lunges! Come to think of it, I rather do BURPEES than do lunges! :noway:

    WOW!!! I hate lunges, but burpees are my all time yuck. I'm pretty sure if there is a hell, they are doing burpees there.

    Out of breath in two jumps :laugh:
  • Justjamie0418
    Justjamie0418 Posts: 1,065 Member
    Guess I am in the minority, I to Dumbell lunges (25lbs in each hand) after my deadlifts and legpresses (I do squats a different day) and I like the lunges. More so than the squats. thugh I havent tried them on a smith machine yet..
  • Mustang_Susie
    Mustang_Susie Posts: 7,045 Member
    For whatever reason, do you think lunges are more difficult for men or women?
  • BEERRUNNER
    BEERRUNNER Posts: 3,046 Member
    Yeah My butt cheeks are still sore from lungess over the weekend! back and forth alternating lunges and walking lunges with dumbells.................damn!!

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