Strengthen and Sculpt
Carolyn is in the gym to demonstrate the curtsy lunge with dumbbells, an excellent exercise to target your glutes, quads, and inner thighs while improving balance and coordination. This move adds a dynamic twist to traditional lunges, making it perfect for toning your lower body.
How to Perform the Curtsy Lunge with Dumbbells: Start Standing: Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, arms by your sides, and feet hip-width apart. Step Back and Across: Step your right foot diagonally behind your left leg, as if you’re performing a curtsy. Lower Your Body: Bend both knees until your front thigh is nearly parallel to the floor. Keep your torso upright and your chest lifted. Return to Start: Press through your front heel to return to the starting position. Switch Sides: Repeat on the opposite side, alternating legs for your desired number of reps.
Why It’s Effective: The curtsy lunge with dumbbells activates the gluteus medius (side glutes) and inner thighs, areas that are often underworked in traditional lunges. It also challenges your stability, engaging your core and improving functional strength. Pro Tip from Carolyn: Use light to moderate dumbbells to maintain balance and control during the movement. Avoid letting your front knee cave inward—keep it aligned with your toes for proper form.
Watch Carolyn’s video to learn the curtsy lunge with dumbbells and incorporate this move into your leg-day routine for a strong and sculpted lower body!