As we have discussed before TRX (Total Body Resistance Exercises) straps are very useful as a rehab tool. There are many times that patients are unable to perform functional activities like a squat or a lunge, but would benefit hugely from them. A TRX lunge is basically a way to perform a lunge without placing full body weight on the low extremities. A lunge, like all functional exercises, is a great way to strengthen the legs in a way that mimics every day life. For example think about how you tie your shoe, or how you pick a heavy box off the floor. A lunge is a better way to strengthening the legs than a squat machine or a knee extension machine because machines restrict movement to certain planes and ranges of motion. By restricting movement into certain planes and ranges, the movement becomes less and less functional because most movement does not take place in those small ranges. TRX straps are a way to progress to full weight bearing activities in functional movements without putting undue stress on injured or weak structures.
TRX Lunge
Position 1: Standing holding TRX straps taught, leaning back slightly, feet shoulder width apart and slightly pointing out.
Position 2: Lean back keeping TRX straps taught. Extend back leg with knee bent to 100degs. Bend front knee keeping weight on heel (Keep 90% of weight on front knee). Return to position 1 again.
