How to do a Dumbbell Curtsy Lunge
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Dumbbell Curtsy Lunge
Workouts with Dumbbell Curtsy Lunge
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Targets the gluteus medius and thighs with a focus on stability and coordination. The curtsy motion offers a unique challenge to hip stability and strength, making it an effective choice for building lower body strength and improving balance.
- Stand upright with your feet hip width apart and your arms extended to your sides holding a pair of dumbbells. Step your right foot backward and behind your left leg before bending both knees to descend into a lunge until your right knee touches the floor. Push off your right foot to return to the starting position before repeating with the opposite side.
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Alternative Exercises to Dumbbell Curtsy Lunge
1. Dumbbell Lunge
97.6 mSCORESWAPPED 561 TIMESDumbbell Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other Lunge variations, Dumbbell Lunge is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quads. The exercise itself is the same as a standard lunge except for the added weight from holding dumbbells in each hand. This is a great variation for anyone looking to make their lunges a bit more challenging without adding more complexity to the movement.
2. Dumbbell Goblet Squat
87.9 mSCORESWAPPED 233 TIMESDumbbell Goblet Squat is a variation on the more standard Front Squat. Like other squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quadriceps. Goblet squats are beneficial because they require less upper body mobility in order to keep the weight in the proper position compared to using a barbell.
3. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 182 TIMESLeg Extensions are an isolation exercise that target the quads. Due to a severe lack of isolation movements for the lower body, this is a great option for specifically targeting your quadriceps. The use of a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds some stability to the movement. This can help your focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement. The downside to this exercise is that it places a lot of tension on your knee. Keep your weights light, and focus on pausing near the end of your range of motion.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Extension Machine
4. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 179 TIMESDumbbell Squat is a variation of the more standard Squat. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The advantage of using dumbbells rather than a barbell is that you have more freedom in your range of motion which can make this a more accessible variation for anyone with mobility limitations. With that freedom comes a bit more instability with this exercise though, which can help you further improve your squat for, and build the strength needed for heavier, or more complex variations.
5. Dumbbell Sumo Squat
81 mSCORESWAPPED 154 TIMESA squat exercise performed with dumbbells, in a wide-legged stance to target the legs and glutes.
6. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 153 TIMESAir Squats are a bodyweight variation of Squats. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. Without any added resistance this is easily one of the most beginner friendly exercises out there. It’s a great way to start building strength, and working your way towards more advanced variations.
- Beginner
- Quads
7. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
91.4 mSCORESWAPPED 149 TIMESDumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat is a weighted variation of a Bulgarian Split Squat. Like other Bulgarian Split Squats, this exercise is a compound movement that primarily targets your quads. The use of dumbbells allows you to add more resistance to this exercise, without restricting your range of motion and posture as much as using a barbell.
8. Curtsy Lunge
31.1 mSCORESWAPPED 125 TIMESCurtsy Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quadriceps. By stepping one leg behind and across the other, this exercise also heavily recruits the glutes and inner thighs, helping to build stability and balance. It’s a great way to add variety to your lower body workouts while addressing different muscle groups.
- Intermediate
- Quads
9. Lunge
90.8 mSCORESWAPPED 123 TIMESLunges are one of the most common lower body exercises out there. It’s a compound exercise that primarily targets your quads. In order to return to a standing position with this exercise you need to engage your quads in order to push yourself back up. This further emphasizes your quadriceps compared to other Lunge variations, however this also places more tension on your knee. By stepping forward with a single leg taking most of the load, you can more easily identify, and address any discrepancies in mobility or strength between sides.
- Beginner
- Quads
10. Dumbbell Walking Lunge
74.3 mSCORESWAPPED 85 TIMESDumbbell Walking Lunge is a variation of the standard Lunge. Like other lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quads, but also hits the glutes and hamstrings. By holding a dumbbell in each hand, you add resistance which further challenges your lower body. This variation also encourages coordination and dynamic balance as you move.