The Lovely Lunge

We admit it- It’s a love/Hate relationship with Lunges!

Many clients say they don’t like Lunges because it causes them knee pain, but you should be pain-free in this lower body burner! Follow these form tips to keep your knees happy and your body changing! 

 When we get into this position start with your front foot about 6 inches from the baseboard. Check your front knee and make sure it is directly over your ankle- if this knee is shifted too far forward or back- this can cause you knee pain! 

 Next, bend the back knee and shift it slightly behind your hips as you curl your back toes under- if this knee is shifted too far forward or back from your hips- this can also cause you knee pain! 

 We like to start low to the floor- but if your back leg hip flexor (connector from thigh to abs) is tight your height from the floor may vary. 

 Using the barre for balance, sit up straight keeping a neutral spine We are looking for your shoulders to be right over your hips. Then engage your core-set by pulling your abs up and in as you straighten your spine.

 Last check to make sure your shoulders are back and down away from your ears and hold them there by squeezing an imaginary penny between your shoulder blades the entire time! 

Rashna is showing us in the picture a more advanced option that we have in Lunges for the thighs when we releve’ (lifting the heel) the front foot. When the front foot is in releve’, you will feel the front thigh engage more- but make sure you keep your weight in both feet, because we are working BOTH legs here! 

Lunges can focus on thigh work or Seat work! When the foot is flat- pushing your weight in your front foot heel will engage your seat more on the leg that is forward. Pressing your weight into the entire foot, especially the ball of the foot/toes will engage your thigh more- so be sure to take cues from your instructor on which mind-body connection you should be feeling when you are in class! 

 If you have any questions about Lunges- be sure to see your instructors before or after class for tips! We are always happy to help you keep shaking and changing @ B.You™!

Form.Form.Form!

Form is key and the absolute core of our success! At B.YOU we want to properly educate your mind… and then your body will follow! After all, it is the mind-body connection that gets results! Kicking off this Form Frenzy Friday, here are some tips on improving your Wide 2nd position:   

Here Morgan is in an advanced position with her heels raised in high releve. We keep our heels flat during B.Barre I to help you find your position and connect to the muscle groups we are focusing on {inner, top, & outter thighs}.  Knees stay directly over your ankles, and weight stays in your big and second toes.  

Tip: A lot of us gals are tight in our hip flexors and in our groins {adductor magnus}. This can make it difficult to properly set up into Wide 2nd. If you are tight in these areas, your knees will point forward rather than to the side and it is difficult to keep your shoulders over your hips. To maintain form and prevent injury & obtain an amazing leg workout, simply hinge over slightly so your knees can rotate out, allowing your muscles to now engage {always keep your chin aligned with your pelvis and the back of your head aligned with your tail bone}! As your flexibility increases, your chest will raise and shoulders will be aligned with your hips! 

———————————————————————————–

Just like every exercise in every B.YOU class, your abdominal muscles (a.k.a. your corset), should be contracted.   A strong core will protect your entire body!

 ————————————————————————————

Here is a great stretch to help stretch your hip flexors.  Be sure your front knee is directly above your ankle to prevent injury.  Reach your back leg behind you, squaring your hips and melting down into your hip flexor.  

Always come in before class or stay after, and we will be more than happy to work with you on your form!

Happy Friday 🙂

We want to introduce you to come thigh work! One of our favorite Barre Lessons just happens to be #2: 

“This is not supposed to be easy. Speaking of leg shaking, B.Barre is not an easy workout and it doesn’t get easier. When you are having a particularly difficult time, normally during the THIGH exercises, repeat this to yourself over and over: “This isn’t supposed to be easy.”

B.Driven     B.Inspired     B.Strong