Ways to Add Arm Work to Your Lunges

by POPSUGAR Fitness 8

If you're pressed for time at the gym (and these days, who isn't), time-saving exercises are a must. Adding arm work to the ever-classic lunge is a great way to work more of you in one move. Here are three ways to get more bang for your buck.

Newbie: If you're new to lunges, just stepping out and returning to your starting stance can be challenging enough. Don't sweat it. Simply hold dumbbells to push yourself to the next level. Holding weights, five to 10 pounds, will make both your booty and arms work more.

Up the ante: Add bicep curls to backward lunges. As your leg lunges back, bend both elbows, bringing hand weights to your shoulders. This is a great multitasking move and is pictured above.

Learn one more killer variation.
Challenge your coordination: Walking lunges are great for strengthening your legs and core. Adding arm raises increases the work and tones your shoulders. Just as your legs are doing different actions, you can move your arms in two different directions, combining front and lateral arm raises. When you lunge forward with your left leg, raise your right arm forward and your left arm out to the side. As you begin to step forward with your right leg, lower your arms and reverse the pattern as your right leg comes forward. It should feel similar to walking, but a whole lot harder.