Reverse Lunge: how to do it and muscles worked

The reverse lunge mainly works your quadriceps and glutes. You need dumbbells.

Muscles worked

How to do the reverse lunge

  1. 1

    Stand tall holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, feet hip-width apart. Keep your chest up and core braced.

  2. 2

    Step one leg back and lower until both knees reach about 90 degrees, back knee close to the floor. Push through your front heel to return to standing.

  3. 3

    Lower over 2 seconds, breathing in as you step back and out as you rise. Keep most of your weight on your front leg.

Form tip: Reverse lunges are kinder to your knees; do not take too small a step or let your front knee collapse inward.

Common questions

Which muscles does the reverse lunge work?
The reverse lunge mainly works your quadriceps and glutes.
What equipment do I need for the reverse lunge?
You need dumbbells.
How many sets and reps should I do?
A common starting point is 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 controlled reps, with a weight that leaves a couple of reps in reserve. Adjust it to your goal and experience, and stop if something hurts.
How do I track the reverse lunge in SweatByte?
Add it to a routine or a workout. Log the weight and reps for each set. SweatByte shows your last session's numbers on every set, so you know what to beat.

More quadriceps exercises

General information, not medical advice. Learn the movement with light weight first, and see a doctor or physiotherapist if you have an injury or pain. More guides in Learn.

Reverse Lunge: how to do it and muscles worked · SweatByte