Side Lunge ExercisesWhat are side lunge exercises good for?There are dozens of different lunge exercises and variations that can be used both as stretches, as well as for the body of a workout. This is just such an exercise.
First we will approach it as a stretch. This will help us to see it as one of our cool down (also called warm down) exercises. This allows us to keep moving and bring that healthy heart rate up or down. We want to take these moves slowly, keeping them dynamic and fluid. 
The side lunge gives us a chance to stretch the inner thigh. When performed as a cool down, it should only be done after you have taken 5 to 10 minutes to bring your healthy heart rate down to a recovery state. (That’s around 60% on our healthy heart rate chart) Pay attention to your breathing. If it's almost normal, you're ready for cool down. Stand with your feet spread further than shoulder width, feet facing forward, and lean onto the leg opposite the one you are going to stretch. Your weight should be mainly supported by the bent leg, and you should be supporting yourself on that same leg.
NEVER support yourself on the extended leg!
Our knees should face the same direction as our feet. Never twist your knees. Your back and neck should be in a straight but neutral position. If you are in a location with a mirror, take advantage of it. Looking at your efforts in a mirror puts you into a naturally forward-facing position, as well as just letting you see that you are keeping good form. ...Like we need a reason to look at our selves in the mirror! (though now you can tell anyone who asks that Fitness Woman told you to!) :-) Rotate your hips so that you can feel the stretch in your inner thighs, but not painfully. And you should NEVER feel a strain on your knees, and your toes should never extend past your knees. Remember, if stretching is ever painful, back it off, or change position!
Lean side to side for a dynamic stretch, then, hold for 10 to 30 seconds for a static stretch. Repeat these steps for both legs a couple of times.
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