Help! I hate lunges, how can I learn to like them???

i hate lunges and squats ... despite everyone i know says they are a really good exercise i do not like them . unless my trainer really insists, i do the leg press, leg extension, leg curls, brisk walk backwards on the treadmill on an incline .. hip adduction and abbduction .. for some reason lunges and squats bother my knees but these other exercises do not so you have to work with what you are comfortable with

There is this metal bar in my gym and if I hold on to that while I do lunges, it helps greatly. I have arthritis in my toes so it take a little pressure off even though I still feel my muscles burning. Just don't use it to the point your not getting any exercise from it. lol

If you don't like lunges, don't do lunges. Squats are better than lunges anyway, IMO. Barbell squats are even better.

Also, if squats are hurting your knees, it's because your knees aren't tracking with your toes most likely. I've had 'bad knees' for years, but ever since I started doing barbell squats I've had no knee pain at all.

I started liking them once I started doing them with barbell on my back.
You could alternatively do split squats.

In essence, everything's better with barbells.

They will NEVER get easier, trust me. No matter how fit, toned, strong, whatever (and I'm not talking about *me*, I'm basing this on what lots of much fitter people than me have said ) - you just have to learn to love them somehow.

I do loads of lunges in body pump at the gym, and I used to hate them so much that I almost considered giving up Pump just to avoid having to do them. But then in release 79 they gave us the hardest lunge track ever and I just decided I was going to deal with my lunge issues. Through loads of practice (at home as well, how said am I....) I managed to get to a stage where I could do the whole track (never mind a single 'set' without stopping to shake out all the pain.... That said, it was more a psychological issue for me.

I agree that you have to tailor your exercise programme to what you enjoy, but come on, people are being a bit naive if they think you can design a programme where people love EVERY single exercise they do, and it never feels uncomfortable. It is when you are feeling the burn that change happens, and isn't that the point of exercise. If I want to have that much fun I'll do something else. But conversely, I would never go to an exercise class that didn't make me smile in some way, even if it was because of how much of a struggle it was! Happy lunging.

I dont like trainers that say this is what you have to do because its out of your comfort zone. You can make custom work outs that people can enjoy still getting the same results if not better and keeping the client happy is every thing. Its about pushing your thresholds not killing that person.

Lol, there's a difference of being out of your comfort zone and "killing" a person. A few reps and sets of lunges won't "kill" you unless there's a serious knee, hip or ankle issue.

Honestly if i could can put my foot up my *kitten* I am sure this will put me out of my comfort zone but I wouldnt enjoy that at all. Training doesnt have to be pure torture. Exercise can be customized to fit your needs and it can be fun also! There are MANY other ways you can hit the same muscle groups such as squats which to me feel way more comfortable and are just as effective if not more. If you dont like lunges then try another exercise that will benefit you all the same.. Take care and enjoy your exercises.

You're over dramatizing. Exercise doesn't have to be torture but it has to be challenging. Lunges are tough and many people avoid them because it's a hard exercise to do like good squats and deadlifts.
I customize ALL of my clients workouts, but if they needed a buddy to cater just the exercises they think are effective, they wouldn't need my help. Point is I get the results they want and some have to work hard to do it.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

Someone once told me "Lunges are the differemce between granny panties and thongs." I think of that everytime I do lunges and it makes them seem easier, haha.

Hahaha......that will be my new mantra....thanks

They will NEVER get easier, trust me. No matter how fit, toned, strong, whatever (and I'm not talking about *me*, I'm basing this on what lots of much fitter people than me have said ) - you just have to learn to love them somehow.

I do loads of lunges in body pump at the gym, and I used to hate them so much that I almost considered giving up Pump just to avoid having to do them. But then in release 79 they gave us the hardest lunge track ever and I just decided I was going to deal with my lunge issues. Through loads of practice (at home as well, how said am I....) I managed to get to a stage where I could do the whole track (never mind a single 'set' without stopping to shake out all the pain.... That said, it was more a psychological issue for me.

I agree that you have to tailor your exercise programme to what you enjoy, but come on, people are being a bit naive if they think you can design a programme where people love EVERY single exercise they do, and it never feels uncomfortable. It is when you are feeling the burn that change happens, and isn't that the point of exercise. If I want to have that much fun I'll do something else. But conversely, I would never go to an exercise class that didn't make me smile in some way, even if it was because of how much of a struggle it was! Happy lunging.

This.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

If anyone likes lunges I'd love to hear how/why? LOL.

Sadly, we can probably all admit that lunges totally suck, but they also are the best way to tone up!

I actually do my lunges in front of the mirror. I always watch myself so I can see my form and make sure I am taking a deep enough lunge.

However for me, I've suddenly got this arch problem when I do lunges and it's KILLING me! I got some new sneakers, tried them out, they seem great but I still get that cramp in my arch. I have had people suggest some inserts to give me support but I have yet to find one that actually fit just right. (Any suggestions are welcomed?)

you need to stretch out your calves and your arches...try massage your arch with a tennis ball by standing and applying a little bit of weight. It'll feel good too! I get this everyonce in awhile and most of the time it's poor shoes and the tightening of my ligament or tendon.