FitCi
Dumbbell Lunges is a compound exercise targeting the legs: several joints work together, it takes heavy loading well and belongs at the start of a session. Secondary muscles: glutes, core. Equipment: dumbbell. Difficulty: beginner, suitable for beginners. It takes 5 steps; the most common mistake is covered in the tip below.
Step-by-step
- Hold dumbbells at your sides and stand with feet hip-width apart
- Take a long step forward with one foot
- Lower your back knee toward the floor until both knees hit 90 degrees
- Drive through your front heel to push back and bring your feet together
- Repeat with the other leg, keeping your torso tall throughout
Coaching tip
Dumbbells make balancing easier than a bar; keep your torso tall and pick a focal point ahead.
Caution
Skip this move or ask a professional first if you have pain or an injury in: knee. FitCi filters it out of your program automatically based on the injuries in your profile.
How to program it
Sets × reps and rest by goal; load and long rest matter most on compound lifts. Start at the bottom of the range in week one; add 2.5–5% when you hit the top with clean form.
| Goal | Sets × Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 4 × 4-6 | 180 s |
| Muscle gain | 3 × 6-10 | 150 s |
| Fat loss / conditioning | 3 × 10-15 | 90 s |
FitCi applies this table to your age and goal automatically and writes weekly progression.
Alternatives
- At home, no equipment: Bodyweight Squat, Wall Sit
- Same muscle, different equipment: Barbell Back Squat, Front Squat, Leg Press
More legs exercises
Add this exercise to your program
Build your own program in FitCi, pick an expert template, or photograph the plan your coach gave you; the app tracks sets, reps and weight.