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Dumbbell Ipsilateral Lunge

Intermediate
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A unilateral lower body exercise holding a dumbbell on the same side as the lead leg, targeting quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while enhancing core stability to build balance and unilateral strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Adductors, Calves

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
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

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Adductors

4/10

Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Longer if focusing on stability

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in one hand at your side on the same side as the lead leg, core engaged and chest up.

  1. Step forward with the leg on the same side as the dumbbell.
  2. Lower by bending both knees until front thigh is parallel to ground and back knee hovers near floor.
  3. Keep front knee aligned over toes and torso upright.
  4. Drive through front heel to extend knees and hips, returning to start.
  5. Complete reps on one side, then switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Torso upright
  • Knee tracks over toes
  • Core tight
  • Heel drive
  • No forward lean

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the lunge, exhale as you drive back to standing while bracing your core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Descend until front thigh is parallel to floor, back knee near ground, with full hip and knee extension at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if pelvic instability or severe knee/hip/ankle issues
  • Use light weight initially
  • Maintain stable base on train tracks stance
  • Control descent to prevent jarring

Spotting

Spotter optional for balance on heavy sets; assist by holding opposite shoulder if needed, but prefer self-supported or safeties for unilateral work.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning toward dumbbell
  • Front knee past toes
  • Rounding back
  • Uneven step width
  • Rushing eccentric phase

When to Avoid

  • Pelvic instability
  • Acute ankle injuries
  • Severe knee or hip problems

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range
  • Knee stability

Build Up First

  • Master basic bodyweight lunge
  • Hip hinge proficiency
  • Core bracing control

Also known as

Same-Side Dumbbell Lunge, Ipsilateral DB Lunge, One-Arm Side Lunge

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