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Lunges with step

With this powerful lunge, you activate mainly your leg and glute muscles.

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Preparation

Attach the grip tape to the horn and slide the handlebar through both grip loops. Secure the sled at the very bottom and place a stable elevation in front of the device.

Starting Position

Grab the barbell with a shoulder-width grip and place your front foot firmly on the platform. Make sure that the sled is adjusted so that there is already a slight tension on the barbell in the deep lunge position.

Execution

Push forcefully up through the front leg until it is almost fully extended. Keep your back upright and tense. Keep the barbell close to your body.

Muscles Used

Legs
Glutes

What makes this exercise particularly effective?

The variation of lunges with a step utilizes an elevated surface on which you place your front foot, along with the handlebar and grip handle. This results in:

  • A larger range of Motion in the front knee and overall during the execution of the movement.

  • With the grip tape, the handlebar, and the resistance, you can precisely adjust and increase the intensity of the movement.

  • The elevated position of the foot creates a stronger stretch and load in the back of the thigh, as well as better activation of the gluteal muscles.

  • At the same time, balance and stability are required through core and full-body tension.

What effect does the exercise achieve?

  • Intensive strengthening of your leg muscles: Especially the quadriceps of your front leg, the glutes, and the hamstrings are effectively trained.

  • Improved balance & coordination: Due to the elevated surface and the unilateral loading, your body must maintain greater stability and balance.

  • Greater flexibility in hip & knee: By lowering deeper and stretching the back leg with each repetition, mobility and flexibility are improved.

  • Protection & control: With the grip tape and handlebar, you can better control the load and avoid overstraining, especially in the deep phase.

How does this exercise fit into the Big 5 concept?

The Big 5 include the fundamental exercises: squat, deadlift, bench press, pull-up or lat pulldown, and shoulder press. Even though the exercise “Lunges with Step” is not part of the classic Big 5, this variation can be a useful addition.

  • It supports and complements squats and deadlifts, as the leg and glute muscles, mobility, and overall stability are strengthened.

  • The unilateral load helps identify and correct muscular imbalances.

  • This exercise can add variety to your leg training and provide a different stimulus – helping you maintain consistent progress and avoid a training plateau.