Atlas
Barbell Lunge: starting position Barbell Lunge: end position

Unilateral · Quads

Barbell Lunge

A unilateral exercise that works the quads. Intermediate level, using barbell & rack.

IntermediateBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryQuads
SecondaryCalves (gastrocnemius & soleus), Glutes, Hamstrings

Quads and glutes.

Setup and loading

Bar low on your traps.

How to do the barbell lunge step by step

  1. Bar across your shoulders.
  2. Step forward and lower until your back knee nearly touches the floor.
  3. Push back with your front foot.

Form cues

  • Torso upright
  • Front knee over your foot

Common mistakes

  • Step too short
  • Knee caving in
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Olympic barbell and platesTo keep progressing on the big lifts with heavy loads.

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Variations and similar exercises

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