Exercise part 2: lower body

 

Jennifer Morris, MD MBA

ABPN ABOM, ABPM-Add, ABSSP



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Last week's blog covered upper body exercise options; this week's blog will cover lower body exercise options, with modifications for beginners or those who need a little more assistance. I am covering a couple of "high-yield" exercises: squats and lunges.  Both of these exercises engage a range of muscles in one movement. 

Why care about exercising muscles? Fetters notes 11 benefits of strength-training (outside of muscle size), including lower abdominal fat, better cardiovascular health, aiding in controlling blood sugar, reduced cancer risk, lower injury risk, better mental health, improved flexibility and mobility, elevated body image, bone health improvement, improved brain health, and a longer life span. 

Lunges are outlined in the video that follows.  Lunges are amazing for strengthening legs, and also for improving balance...but even if your balance is not currently in amazing shape, there are modifications that make lunges achievable!


This is a phenomenal video on lunges, including common errors and how to remedy them, as well as some potential modifications...



https://youtu.be/ugW5I-a5A-Q


 This is a favorite how-to for squats...these can be done without weights! goblet squats also aid to achieve both strength and core balance...and like lunges, can cause injury if not done properly. This video works through proper form for the most accessible squat, the goblet squat...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KzZD_n2r64



Fetters, Aleisha, MS, CSCS. 11 Benefits of Strength Training That Have  Nothing To Do with Muscle Size. US News and World Report, 18 June 2021. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/fitness/articles/benefits-of-strength-training-that-have-nothing-to-do-with-muscle-size. Accessed 9/22/24. 

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