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Dumbbell Forward Lunge with Curl

Intermediate
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A compound exercise combining a forward lunge with bicep curls using dumbbells, targeting quads, glutes, hamstrings, and biceps to build lower body strength, arm hypertrophy, and coordination; ideal for full-body conditioning.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Biceps

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Calves

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Conditioning

Training Style

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

Biceps

9/10

Long Head, Short Head

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Calves

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with palms facing forward. Keep your core engaged and chest up.

  1. Step forward with one foot, landing heel first.
  2. Lower your hips until both knees are at 90 degrees, front knee over ankle.
  3. Simultaneously curl dumbbells toward shoulders, elbows tucked.
  4. Push through front heel to return to start, lowering dumbbells.
  5. Alternate legs for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knees track over toes
  • Core tight throughout
  • Elbows close to body
  • Drive through heel
  • Controlled descent

Breathing

Inhale as you descend into the lunge and curl; exhale as you push back and lower the weights.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh is parallel to ground and back knee hovers 2 inches above floor; curl until dumbbells reach shoulders without flaring elbows.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee pain or poor balance
  • Start with bodyweight if beginner
  • Ensure stable surface
  • Use lighter weights for form mastery
  • Stop if joint discomfort arises

Spotting

Spotter not typically needed; assist with balance if required, or use wall for support.

Common Mistakes

  • Front knee past toes
  • Rounding back
  • Swinging weights
  • Uneven steps
  • Incomplete curl range

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Hip instability
  • Balance disorders

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range

Build Up First

  • Master basic forward lunge
  • Proper bicep curl form

Also known as

DB Lunge Curl, Forward Lunge Bicep Curl, Lunge and Curl

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