Lunges are one of my top toning choices for the lower body. Whether they’re jumping, static, walking or even with plates, you feel the burn soon after you start the exercise! Love them or hate them, lunges are fabulous for toning your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves.

Some people dread repeating the traditional lunge ad nauseum…so today I’m introducing three new ways to spice up your lunges! Grab a pair of medium-heavy dumbbells, a chair/step/weight bench and a large open space for these moves. Remember to keep your bent knee right above your heel when lowered in the lunge. To add an additional challenge to the one legged lunge, balance your back toe on a stability ball! 

By the way, did anyone else notice the visual tricks that make it look like I have one leg during those balancing lunges? Crazy camera angles ;)

What are the exercises that you love to hate (meaning, a move that is difficult, but you know is effective)? Mine: a squat with an overhead press. Those get me breathing and my muscles burning!