To best engage your adductors while practicing this compound inner-thigh exercise, imagine squeezing a big beach ball between your legs as you press up out of the lunge, suggests Henderson. For a low-impact variation, perform the movement without stepping out to the side; just stand with your feet spread wide, shift your weight to one side, and lower into a lunge.
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointed forward, shoulders rolled down and back, and hands clasped in front of your chest. Engage your core by bracing as if someone is about to punch you in the gut.
- On an inhale, take a large step out to the left. Keeping your right leg straight and your right foot planted on the floor, shift your body weight into your left leg. Then, sink your hips back (imagine sitting back into a chair) and lower into the lunge as far as is comfortable. Keep your chest lifted, back flat, and gaze forward.
- On an exhale, press into all four corners of your left foot to rise up out of the lunge, then step your left foot back to meet your right foot.
- Repeat on the right side.
Do 10 to 12 reps on each side, alternating sides.
