Tip: Goblet Lateral Lunge

Balance out all those sagittal plane squats and deadlifts with some frontal plane movements, like this one.

Humans are made to move seamlessly through three different planes of movement: the sagittal, frontal, and transverse (rotational). The sagittal plane consists of forward and backward movement – running, squatting, deadlifting, rowing, etc. all occur in this plane. Many programs, including most CrossFit programming, is focused on this plane.

The frontal plane is made up of any lateral movement. Exercises like a lateral lunge primarily utilize this plane and should be part of any balanced program.

Arianna Hoffman is a strength coach based in Washington DC. She has a master's degree in coaching science in sport. She also owns a sports-performance training business and coaches athletic teams at American University. Follow Arianna Hoffman on Facebook