The Lunge is an excellent exercise to develop lower body and unilateral leg strength, hip stability and core strength. Too often athletes have a deficit where one leg is stronger than the other under single-legged exercises/drills, which is why it is important that a Strength Training Program places an importance in unilateral movements. In terms of skating, the bottom of the lunge position to the stand up is similar to drawing back for a flip and/or lutz. As a final note, this exercise should be done first with one's own bodyweight, then dumbbells and then finally with a barbell.