Dumbbell Lunge
DumbbellUnilateralStrength
The Dumbbell Lunge is a unilateral strength exercise where you hold dumbbells at your sides and step forward into a lunge, lowering until both knees are bent at 90 degrees before pushing back to start. Its primary purpose is to build lower body power, stability, and balance by challenging each leg independently. It mainly targets the quads, with secondary work on the glutes and posterior thighs (hamstrings), making it ideal for athletes, runners, or anyone addressing muscle imbalances using just a pair of dumbbells.
How to Perform Dumbbell Lunge
- 1Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with palms facing your body. Engage your core.
- 2Take a controlled step forward with your right foot, landing heel-first, until your thigh is parallel to the ground and your knee is directly above your ankle.
- 3Lower your body by bending both knees, keeping your left knee hovering just above the floor and your torso upright.
- 4Inhale as you descend into the lunge position.
- 5Exhale as you drive through your right heel to push back up to the starting position, fully extending your right leg.
- 6Step your right foot back to meet your left foot, returning to the upright stance.
- 7Repeat steps 2-6 on the left leg for balanced training.
- 8Key form tips: Keep your front knee tracking over your toes (avoid caving inward); maintain a neutral spine without leaning forward; use a full range of motion but avoid letting the back knee slam the ground. Common mistakes: stepping too short (causes knee strain) or arching the back.