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Dumbbell Side Lunge

Strengthen legs & glutes with Dumbbell Side Lunges! A great exercise for building lower body strength and improving balance.

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

Dumbbell Side Lunge demo video 2
Dumbbell Side Lunge demo video 3
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Required Equipment

Dumbbells
Dumbbells

Dumbbell Side Lunge Muscles Worked

Primary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Quads (quadriceps femoris)

Secondary

Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Hamstrings; Obliques

How to do the Dumbbell Side Lunge

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Hold a dumbbell in each hand, arms resting at your sides.

  2. Step Out:

    • Take a big step to the right with your right foot.

    • Keep your left foot in place as you lunge to the right.

  3. Lunge:

    • Lower your body by bending your right knee while keeping your left leg straight.

    • Make sure your right knee is aligned over your right ankle and does not extend past your toes.

    • Keep your chest up and back straight as you lower into the lunge.

  4. Return to Start:

    • Push through your right heel to return to the starting position, straightening your leg.

    • Bring your right foot back next to your left.

  5. Repeat on the Other Side:

    • Now, step out to the left with your left foot and lower into a side lunge.

    • Ensure to follow the same form: left knee over left ankle, right leg straight.

    • Return to the starting position.

  6. Repetitions:

    • Perform 8-12 repetitions on each side for 2-3 sets.

    • Rest for 30 seconds between sets.

Tips:

  • Keep your core engaged throughout the exercise for stability.

  • Focus on controlled movements to maximize effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury.

  • If you're new to this exercise, start without weights until you feel comfortable with the technique.

Dumbbell Side Lunge FAQs

What muscles does the Dumbbell Side Lunge work?

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

What equipment do you need for the Dumbbell Side Lunge?

Dumbbells.

Is the Dumbbell Side 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 Dumbbell Side Lunge go on?

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

What are some Dumbbell Side Lunge variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Dumbbell Goblet Lunge, Dumbbell Side Goblet Lunge Stretch, Dumbbell Side-Step Goblet Squat and Dumbbell Goblet Walking Lunge.

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