How to do a Lunge Twist
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
Workouts with Lunge Twist
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Lunge Twist is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Like other Lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. By adding a twist to each lunge, you also engage your core and obliques, increasing the overall demand for stability and coordination. This provides a dynamic way to enhance core strength and improve functional stability during lower body workouts.
- Stand with your feet a little wider than your hips and bend your knees.
- Step forward with one leg—the step should be a little bigger than a normal walking step.
- Drop the back knee to the floor, landing in a lunge position.
- Your front leg should be bent 90 degrees at the knee, and your back knee should be just off the ground, toes to the floor.
- Keep your back straight, your core engaged and your gaze forward as you slowly twist your torso toward the side of the lunged leg.
- Reverse this motion to step back into the starting position.
- Switch sides and repeat.
Alternatives & Variations to Lunge Twist
1. Butt Kick
2 mSCORESWAPPED 3,076 TIMESButt Kick is a bodyweight plyometric exercise that primarily targets the hamstrings. This exercise involves kicking your heels up toward your glutes in a running or marching motion. It’s a great exercise for improving running form and increasing cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, it can help improve flexibility and strength in the hamstrings, making it a nice addition to warm-ups or cardio intervals.
2. Hip Flow
13.6 mSCORESWAPPED 1,653 TIMESHip Flow is a dynamic sequence of movements that targets the hip flexors, glutes, and lower back. This compound exercise is designed to improve mobility, flexibility, and stability in the hip region. By flowing through various movements, you enhance the range of motion and activate multiple muscle groups, making it an excellent warm-up or accessory exercise for lower body workouts.
3. Shin Box Quad
11.1 mSCORESWAPPED 628 TIMESShin Box Quad is a dynamic stretch that primarily targets the hips and quads. By seamlessly transitioning between different positions, this exercise enhances hip mobility and flexibility. It also engages the core for stability throughout the movement, making it a beneficial addition for improving overall lower body mobility and coordination.
4. Lunge with Ankle Grab
9.6 mSCORESWAPPED 539 TIMESLunge with Ankle Grab is a variation of the standard Lunge. Like other Lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quadriceps. By incorporating an ankle grab, you add a dynamic stretch to the movement which helps improve flexibility and balance. This exercise is particularly effective for enhancing muscle activation and mobility in your lower body.
5. Butt Scoot
7.4 mSCORESWAPPED 517 TIMESButt Scoot is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the glutes and core. The exercise involves sitting on the ground and using your glutes to scoot forward. This is an excellent way to engage your glutes and develop functional strength. Additionally, it can help improve coordination and stability as you move your body across the floor.
6. Couch Stretch
13.8 mSCORESWAPPED 414 TIMESCouch Stretch is an isolation stretch that primarily targets the hip flexors and quadriceps. The exercise involves placing one knee on the ground, with the opposite foot up on a couch or bench, and leaning back to stretch. This is a great stretch for improving hip mobility and flexibility, which can aid in better performance and injury prevention in various lower body exercises.
7. Runners Butt Kick
3.6 mSCORESWAPPED 408 TIMESRunner's Butt Kick is a bodyweight exercise that primarily targets the hamstrings and glutes. This movement is similar to running in place, but involves kicking your heels up towards your glutes with each step. It’s a great cardio exercise that also helps improve flexibility and can aid in warming up your lower body muscles before more intense workouts.
8. PVC Overhead Squat
6 mSCORESWAPPED 404 TIMESPVC Overhead Squat is a variation on the more standard Overhead Squat. Like other squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. Using a PVC pipe instead of a barbell adds less weight, making this a great exercise for learning form and improving shoulder mobility without additional resistance. It's an excellent starting point for progressing to heavier overhead squats.
9. Squat with Rotation
10.2 mSCORESWAPPED 327 TIMESSquat with Rotation is a compound exercise and a variation of the traditional squat that targets the quads, glutes, and core. The added rotation at the top of the squat can enhance core activation and improve rotational stability, which is particularly beneficial for athletes. This movement also helps in developing functional strength, as it mimics real-world activities that require both lower body power and core stability.
10. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 283 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.