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Kettlebell Lateral Lunge

Intermediate
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A unilateral lunge variation with a kettlebell targeting quads, glutes, and adductors to build lower body strength, stability, and frontal plane mobility; ideal for functional training and balance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Obliques, Calves

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability
Mobility

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, Glute Medius

Adductors

7/10

Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding one kettlebell goblet-style at chest height. Brace core, keep back straight, and gaze forward.

  1. Step wide to the right with right foot, toes forward.
  2. Bend right knee, push hips back, lower until thigh parallel to floor.
  3. Keep left leg straight, foot flat.
  4. Maintain chest up and knee over toes.
  5. Drive through right heel to return to start.
  6. Switch sides and repeat.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Knees track toes
  • Push hips back
  • Drive through heel
  • Core braced

Breathing

Inhale during descent into lunge; exhale forcefully as you drive back up. Brace core on every rep.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Descend until lunging thigh parallel to ground; straight leg extended with soft knee. Lunging knee aligns with toes, no forward knee travel.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with bodyweight if new to lunges
  • Avoid if acute hip or knee pain
  • Master forward lunge first
  • Use light weight to learn form

Spotting

Spotter not typically needed; assist with balance for beginners or use wall for support if unstable.

Common Mistakes

  • Knee caves inward
  • Leaning forward
  • Insufficient step width
  • Partial depth on descent

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury
  • Hip impingement
  • Groin strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip abduction range
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for stability

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in forward lunge
  • Basic hip hinge control
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

Kettlebell Side Lunge, Goblet Lateral Lunge

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