Bodyweight Lunge

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Beginner
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A unilateral lower-body exercise using only bodyweight that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings to build strength, balance, and coordination; ideal for functional leg training and daily movement patterns.

About Exercise

Equipment

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Adductors, Abs

Popularity Score

9

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Endurance
Stability

Training Style

Calisthenics
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius

Adductors

4/10

Adductor Magnus

Abs

3/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, hands on hips or at sides for balance.

  1. Step forward with one foot, landing flat with heel under knee.
  2. Lower body by bending both knees until front thigh is parallel to floor.
  3. Keep front knee over ankle and back knee hovering above ground.
  4. Drive through front heel to extend both legs and return to start.
  5. Alternate legs or complete reps on one side before switching.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knee tracks over toes
  • Torso stays upright
  • Core tight
  • Heel drives up
  • Step long enough

Breathing

Inhale as you lower, brace core, and exhale as you rise.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh is parallel to floor and back knee nearly touches ground, with knees at 90 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee pain
  • Ensure knee alignment to protect joints
  • Engage core to prevent back strain
  • Start with assisted version if balance issues
  • Modify step length for comfort

Spotting

No spotter needed; use wall for balance if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Knee past toes
  • Leaning forward
  • Short steps
  • Arched back
  • Uneven balance

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Hip flexor tightness
  • Balance disorders

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range
  • Knee stability

Build Up First

  • Basic squat form
  • Single-leg balance competency

Also known as

Forward Lunge, Step Lunge, Body Weight Walking Lunge

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