If you're squatting and deadlifting, there's really no need for lunges.

Anything that is painful is a recipe for injury and burnout.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Try Bulgarian split squats.

No don’t do this.

+1000

Holy hell no. Those are way worse.

Plenty of ways to replicate muscle movements on your back with bands.

Anonymous wrote:Try Bulgarian split squats.

No don’t do this.

Is it your front or back knee?

For front knee pain, hinge forward at your hips.

For back knee pain, come up high on your back toes so the full leg is truly engaged. And hinge forward at your hips if also needed.

Make sure your stance is not too long. Shortening it can help knee pain.

Thanks all!

I subbed split squats (static lunges) and step up (on a reebox bench) and can now do lunges without problems. You just need to build up. I have had knee surgery in the past and am over 50 so I was careful to build slowly with weights. The one thing I won’t do is jumping lunges that’s my red line.

Good luck!

Build strength other ways and then try again once your legs are stronger.

Def sub for split squats

And the front lunges are harder for sure - to help my knees I usually do them body weight only, focus on pulling both knees towards your midline (so pull both knees IN), push off hard from your front heel. These cues may not help you at all, but it’s what worked for me, along with using flat shoes specifically for lifting (No Bull).

Good luck and keep those knees safe!

Try Bulgarian split squats.

Are you doing a forward lunge or reverse? I always do a reverse because it's easier on my knees - my trainer taught me that. It's OK to do a split squat too. Then you start in the lunge position so you're not landing on your feet.

Thanks I think that’s true-lunges are probably just not for me. Any suggestions for alternatives that are easier on the knees? I love floor exercises

I have worked with three different and highly respected trainers on lunges. They say my form is perfect but my knees scream in pain to the point of keeping me up at night after doing even as few at 10. Conclusion is that not everyone is built for every exercise and I am not meant to do lunges.

I would rethink doing them. Not everyone can do all exercises. I persisted in doing abdominal exercises that were "challenging" until the pain suddenly became unbearable - 24/7 sharp back pain that made it hard to walk, drive, even sit down. I was 5'6, 120 lbs then but after 3 C's simply lacked the abdominal strength needed to do those exercises and unwittingly strained my back and neck muscles. Continuing to ignore your body's clear signals is inviting injury. Why not stop?

I have worked with a trainer at various points and am now comfortable with my form with squats and deadlifts (using dumbbells) but I cannot do lunges without hurting g my knees-my trainer has given me pointers which have helped but I still hate and avoid them bc I so often hurt my knees. They usually don’t hurt during exercise but after. Can anyone help me with some type of modified lunge exercise or a floor exercise using ankle weights that I could do instead?