Appears in642 Workouts*

Side-Step Curtsey

Tone legs & glutes with the Side-Step Curtsey! A dynamic lower body workout that combines balance, strength, and coordination.

The Side-Step Curtsey mainly works the glutes & hips and quads, with help from the hamstrings and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.

Mr. Grey
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Side-Step Curtsey Muscles Worked

Primary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

Secondary

Hamstrings; Obliques

How to do the Side-Step Curtsey

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides.

    • Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and engage your core.

  2. Curtsey Motion:

    • Step your right foot back diagonally behind you into a curtsey lunge.

    • Bend both knees, lowering your body toward the ground while keeping your left knee over your left ankle.

    • Make sure your right knee doesn't touch the ground.

  3. Return to Start:

    • Push through your left heel to return to the starting position.

    • Bring your right foot back to hip-width apart.

  4. Side Step:

    • Take a step to the right with your right foot, shifting your weight onto that leg.

    • Keep your left foot close and engage your core as you shift.

  5. Repeat:

    • Alternate between the curtsey lunge and the side step for a designated period (e.g., 30 seconds) or a set number of repetitions (e.g., 10 on each side).

  6. Breathing:

    • Inhale as you lunge, and exhale when you return to the starting position.

  7. Final Tips:

    • Maintain good posture throughout the exercise.

    • Move at a controlled pace, especially when landing from the curtsey lunge to avoid injury.

Side-Step Curtsey FAQs

What muscles does the Side-Step Curtsey work?

The Side-Step Curtsey mainly works the glutes & hips and quads, with help from the hamstrings and core. The main muscles are the gluteus maximus and quadriceps femoris.

What equipment do you need for the Side-Step Curtsey?

None. The Side-Step Curtsey is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.

What workout day should the Side-Step Curtsey go on?

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

What are some Side-Step Curtsey variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the 4-Corner Curtsy, Arm Cross-Over Curtsy, Side-Step Backkick and Barbell Curtsey Lunge.

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