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Runner's Lunge Pose

Beginner
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A deep low lunge yoga pose that stretches hip flexors and hamstrings while strengthening quads, glutes, and core; used for improving hip mobility, lower body flexibility, and balance in yoga flows.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Hip Flexors, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Abs, Obliques

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Mobility
Stability
Endurance

Training Style

Yoga

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Hip Flexors

9/10

Iliopsoas

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Calves

5/10

Gastrocnemius

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Start on a yoga mat in tabletop position on hands and knees. Step one foot forward between hands, aligning knee over ankle.

  1. Extend back leg straight, pressing heel away and engaging thigh.
  2. Square hips forward, lengthening spine from tailbone to head.
  3. Lower hips gently toward mat, feeling stretch in back hip flexor.
  4. Place hands on floor or blocks beside front foot for support.
  5. Engage core by drawing navel in toward spine.
  6. Breathe deeply and hold position.
  7. Step back to start or switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knee over ankle
  • Hips squared forward
  • Spine long and neutral
  • Press back heel down
  • Core engaged
  • Gaze forward

Breathing

Inhale to lengthen spine and torso; exhale to deepen the lunge and engage core.

Tempo

4-2-0

Range of Motion

Front knee bends to 90 degrees over ankle; back leg fully extends straight with knee locked; hips square and level.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute hip, knee, or ankle injury
  • Modify with back knee down if tight hips
  • Do not round spine
  • Use blocks for wrist or balance issues
  • Clear with doctor post-surgery
  • Stop if pain in joints occurs

Spotting

No spotting needed; use wall or chair for balance support if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Front knee past ankle
  • Rounded back
  • Uneven hips
  • Locked front knee
  • Shallow breath

When to Avoid

  • Acute hip or knee injuries
  • Recent abdominal surgery
  • High blood pressure
  • Vertigo or dizziness
  • Groin strains
  • Spine injuries

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexor flexibility
  • Ankle dorsiflexion in front foot
  • Shoulder mobility for hand placement

Build Up First

  • Basic tabletop position competency
  • Familiarity with child's pose or downward dog
  • Ability to balance on one knee

Also known as

Utthita Ashwa Sanchalanasana, Low Lunge Pose

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