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Barbell Curtsey Lunge

Strengthen your legs & glutes with Barbell Curtsey Lunges! A challenging exercise for balance, stability, and lower body definition.

The Barbell Curtsey Lunge is a compound exercise that mainly works the glutes & hips and quads, with help from the hamstrings, hip abductors (outer thighs) and core. You'll need: barbell.

Barbell Curtsey Lunge demo video 2
Ms. Grey
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Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell

Barbell Curtsey Lunge Muscles Worked

Primary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

Secondary

Hamstrings; Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Obliques

How to do the Barbell Curtsey Lunge

Barbell Curtsey Lunge

Starting Position:

  1. Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart.

  2. If using a barbell, place it on your upper back, resting it on your shoulders. Grip it with both hands, keeping your elbows down and tight to your body. If not using a barbell, simply place your hands on your hips or let them hang by your sides.

  3. Engage your core muscles and maintain a straight posture with your chest up, shoulders back, and spine neutral.

**Movement 1. Step your right leg back and across your body, bending both knees to lower your body into a lunge position. Your left knee should bend directly over your left ankle while your right knee approaches the ground.

  1. Ensure that your back knee is angled toward the floor, keeping your weight in your front heel for stability.

  2. Push through your left heel to lift your body back to the starting position, bringing your right leg back to the starting position alongside your left leg.

  3. Repeat the movement on the opposite side by stepping your left leg back and across your body, following the same form and technique.

  4. Continue alternating legs for the desired number of repetitions.

Tips for Proper Form:

  • Keep your torso upright throughout the movement to avoid leaning forward.

  • Ensure that your front knee does not extend beyond your toes to prevent strain.

  • Focus on balance and control throughout the exercise.

  • To increase the challenge, consider adding weight to the barbell or increasing the number of repetitions performed.

Recommended Repetitions: Start with 8-12 repetitions on each side for 2-3 sets. Adjust as needed based on fitness level and comfort.

Barbell Curtsey Lunge FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Curtsey Lunge work?

The Barbell Curtsey Lunge mainly works the glutes & hips and quads, with help from the hamstrings, hip abductors (outer thighs) and core. The main muscles are the gluteus maximus and quadriceps femoris.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Curtsey Lunge?

Barbell.

Is the Barbell Curtsey Lunge a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Barbell Curtsey Lunge go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Barbell Curtsey Lunge variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the 4-Corner Curtsy, Arm Cross-Over Curtsy, Barbell Forward-Backward Lunge and Barbell Cossack Squat.

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