Exercise

Reverse Lunge

Stepping backward instead of forward is friendlier on the knees and easier to balance, making this the best lunge to start with. Single-leg strength is what actually shows up in real life - stairs, hills, and hoisting kids from floor level.

BeginnerNo equipment~4 min

Demonstration

Sets

3

Reps

8-12 per side

Rest

60-90s

How to do it

  1. 1

    Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, hands on hips or at your sides.

  2. 2

    Step one foot straight back about two feet, landing on the ball of that foot.

  3. 3

    Lower your back knee toward the floor until both knees are at roughly 90 degrees.

  4. 4

    Keep your torso upright and front heel flat.

  5. 5

    Push through your front foot to return to standing.

  6. 6

    Repeat on the same side or alternate legs.

Common mistakes

  • Taking too short a step back, which jams the front knee
  • Slamming the back knee into the floor
  • Leaning the torso far forward over the front leg
  • Wobbling from a too-narrow stance - think railroad tracks, not a tightrope

Dad tips

  • Hold dumbbells at your sides once bodyweight sets feel easy.

Same muscles, new angle

Bodyweight Squat

The most useful movement in the catalog - you already do it every time you sit down, pick a toy off the floor, or get out of the car. Training it deliberately keeps your knees and hips strong enough to do all of that without thinking about it.

BeginnerNo equipment~4 min

Goblet Squat

Hold one dumbbell at your chest and squat - the front load acts like a counterbalance that practically teaches good form for you. It's the fastest way to add real leg strength at home with a single dumbbell.

IntermediateDumbbells~5 min