Easier Version of Backward Lunge

Question

I am training to circumumbulate Mount Kailash, 32 miles of mountain terrain nearly 18,000 feet above sea level. And I understand this will take years!

Training is 5 days a week, Monday and Thursday are rest days.

One of the exercises I am doing is backward lunge. I am at 4 reps, 1 set. For few days I was happy doing this exercise, now it is causing pain on right knee (started late yesterday morning).

This morning when I woke up, I am unable to do this, or other bending exercises, including Surya Namaskar (I'm at 72 reps, 12 yoga poses each!)

Now I have to wait a few days till I get better.

Please give alternate exercise to Backward Lunge. Perhaps I can do this till my knees are strong enough to do both Backward and Forward Lunge.

Thank you.

Answer 1

There’s a myriad of exercises that you can do to train your legs and glutes with just dumbbells. However, I would caution you that changing the exercise may not alleviate your knee pain.

For a change, you can try:

• These two variations of Split Squat movements. The first one uses a bench to elevate your rear foot, while the second one is simply a split legged squat. Both more closely resemble the movement you were doing (lunges). Each positions your feet on stable platforms, so, you may be able to perform them without discomfort. Again, that’s dependent upon you.
• Goblet Squats are an additional movement for developing the quads and glutes.