[exarchoste]

Hello ! I’m a trail runner, I recently purchased the book ”Uphill Athlete”. I’m at the strength training chapter. I have some inquiries regarding the “stage 3 workout”

First of ALL the forward lunge exercise is recommended in the program. I’ve read that the forward lunge might be bad for your knees and that the reverse lunge is safer. However the reverse is a more of hip-hamstring dominant move. Any thoughts on this ?

Second the box step down. In the fig. 77 it shows stepping down in front the box. However i’ve seen this exercise can be done by stepping down from the side. Which do you think would be best?

Thanks

Topic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on June 3, 2019 at 4:31 pm #22873

The front lunge mimics the specific muscle group engagement that you get when running or hiking down hill. There for it can be used (doing just several reps) to strengthen the muscles supporting the knee so that running or hiking down hill (where you are going to be doing many thousands of repetitions). Obviously if you experience severe knee pain when doing lunges you need to investigate the cause and remedy it. For mountain runners this typically tight vastus lateralus (lateral quads) pulling the knee cap to the outside. Get after those quads with rolling exercises. I’d say 90% of our atletes that have this issue get relief this way.

AS for the box step down. We’re trying to mimic the strength demands and mechanics of stepping down a big step in the mountains. Many rough trails will require this movement. Steping to the side if the box is a good exercise but does not mimic the down hill runner/hiker’s movements very well.

Scott

[exarchoste]

exarchoste on June 5, 2019 at 3:46 am #22960

I think this covers it ! Thanks Scott