MIM: Multi-Directional Lunges

Time to work the booty and legs!  Lunges are a GREAT way to tone the lower body and the multi-directional lunge hits your leg muscles in many ways!  The best way to do this exercise is to stop on your dog walk and do about 10 on one leg. This is a great time to work on Fido’s dog obedience.  Fido can be in a sit or down while you do one leg and then move along on your walk and stop and  do 10 more on the other leg putting Fido in a sit or a down again.  Keep it going all of the way up the side walk or across the park!

Step 1:

Start with your left foot planted. Step back with your right leg bending the left knee as you step back.  Your knee should be directly over your ankle on the left leg.

Push back up to starting position by pushing into the HEEL of your front foot, that will activate the gluteus maximus or butt muscles!

Advanced: Try keeping your left foot off of the ground when you come up to work on your balance.

Step 2:

Step out to the side into a wide squat with the right leg.  Make sure you are keeping your chest high and sit BACK into the squat.  All of your weight should be in your heels, NOT your toes.

Push up with the right leg

Advanced: Balance again on the right foot.

Step 3:

Step forward into a front lunge.  This time your left foot comes down onto your toes. Bending both knees and bring the right foot forward so you can put your weight into your heel.

Your knee should be directly over your ankle.

Remember to keep the chest high.

Repeat this sequence 10 times.  If you want to try the advanced moves, try to balance on the non-working leg the entire sequence.   Keep your chest high and your tummy tight which will help with balance.

Watch this short VIDEO to see how to do it.

Walk a little to get Fido moving again and then repeat on the other side!

Don’t forget to praise Fido for being an obedient workout partner!