knee positioning during lunges is essential. if your knee goes beyond your ankle, you are extending too far. keep the knee in line with the ankle as you "lunge." it is actually much harder to keep good technique with this exercise. i find i must concentrate on shifting my weight "back" a little to keep my knee from going over my ankle.

PILATES IS GREAT. the first time i tried it i went home with my tail tucked between my legs . it was really challenging. i was sore in very new places. pilates will do wonders for core strength.