Exercise
Dumbbell Lunges
Also known as: db lunges, static lunge dumbbell, forward lunge dumbbell


Dumbbell Lunges is a compound exercise for the quadriceps and glutes. Main target: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus maximus. Also works: medial gastrocnemius and biceps femoris. Equipment: dumbbell.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- Stand with your torso upright holding two dumbbells in your hands by your sides. This will be your starting position.
- Step forward with your right leg around 2 feet or so from the foot being left stationary behind and lower your upper body down, while keeping the torso upright and maintaining balance. Inhale as you go down. Note: As in the other exercises, do not allow your knee to go forward beyond your toes as you come down, as this will put undue stress on the knee joint. Make sure that you keep your front shin perpendicular to the ground.
- Using mainly the heel of your foot, push up and go back to the starting position as you exhale.
- Repeat the movement for the recommended amount of repetitions and then perform with the left leg.
Common mistakes
- The front knee caving inward.
- Too short a step — the knee travels far past the toes and loads the knee.
Tips
- Drop straight down until the back knee almost touches the floor.
Used in these programs
3-Day Full Body Workout for Beginners
The whole body in every session, three times a week, three different days. Simple free-weight and machine exercises.
Beginner · 3 times a week · Gym2-Day Full Body WorkoutTwo full-body sessions a week for when time is short. Compound lifts and a few more sets each.
Beginner · 2 times a week · GymGym Fat Loss Plan: Strength Circuits + CardioThree sessions a week: a full-body strength circuit and 15–20 minutes of cardio at the end. Keeps muscle while fat comes off.
Beginner · 3 times a week · GymDumbbell-Only Full Body WorkoutA pair of dumbbells and a mat: three full-body sessions a week — squats, presses, rows and Romanian deadlifts.
Beginner · 3 times a week · HomeSimilar exercises

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Alternatives with other equipment

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Cable Deadlifts
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