Dumbbell Walking Lunge

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Intermediate
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Dumbbell walking lunge is a unilateral lower-body exercise that targets quads and glutes to build strength, stability, and balance; enhances coordination and athleticism.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

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

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with palms facing inward. Engage your core and keep shoulders relaxed.

  1. Step forward with your right leg, planting the foot firmly.
  2. Bend both knees to lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor and back knee hovers above the ground.
  3. Drive through the front heel to extend both legs and bring the back foot forward.
  4. Step forward with the left leg and repeat the lowering phase.
  5. Alternate legs continuously while moving forward.
  6. Maintain upright torso and knee alignment over toes throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep torso upright
  • Knees track over toes
  • Drive through front heel
  • Core braced tight
  • Step wide for balance

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the lunge, exhale as you drive up to stand.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh is parallel to the ground and back knee is just above the floor; front knee aligns over ankle without extending past toes.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or hip pain
  • Use lighter weights with poor balance
  • Master bodyweight first
  • Brace core to prevent lower back strain
  • Ensure stable footing to avoid trips

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; for heavy sets, assist from sides by supporting elbows if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning forward excessively
  • Front knee past toes
  • Short steps stressing knees
  • Back knee crashing down
  • Uneven weight distribution

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Hip instability
  • Ankle sprains

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion mobility

Build Up First

  • Master bodyweight lunges
  • Proficient in stationary lunges

Also known as

Walking Dumbbell Lunge, DB Walking Lunge, Dumbbell Forward Lunge Walk

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