ExercisesReverse lunge

Reverse lunge

Step one foot back and lower until both knees are near 90 degrees. Push through the front foot to return; stepping back is gentler on the knees than stepping forward.

StrengthNo equipmentDifficulty 1 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the reverse lunge, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Step one foot back and lower until both knees are near 90 degrees. Push through the front foot to return; stepping back is gentler on the knees than stepping forward.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • quadsprimary
  • glutes
  • adductors
  • hamstrings

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

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Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2