How to do a Pulse Lunge
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Pulse Lunge
Workouts with Pulse Lunge
Instructions for Proper Form
Pulse Lunge is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quads. Unlike standard lunges, this variation involves pulsing up and down from a shallow to deep lunge without returning to a standing position. This keeps tension on your muscles throughout the entire set, making it a great way to enhance muscle endurance and strength.
- Stand upright with your feet hip width apart and your hands placed on your hips.
- Step forward with one leg keeping your torso upright.
- Bend your knees to lower body towards the ground until both your knees reach 90 degree angles.
- Raise your body upward by extending your legs and repeat for allotted repetitions.
- Return back to the starting position and repeat with the opposite side.
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Alternative Exercises to Pulse Lunge
1. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 234 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
2. Lunge
90.8 mSCORESWAPPED 138 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
3. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 113 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
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- Leg Extension Machine
4. Dumbbell Lunge
97.6 mSCORESWAPPED 102 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.
5. Butt Kick
2 mSCORESWAPPED 97 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.
- Beginner
- Quads
6. Dumbbell Goblet Squat
87.9 mSCORESWAPPED 90 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.
7. Side Lunge
79.4 mSCORESWAPPED 84 TIMESSide Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other Lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. By stepping to the side instead of forward or backwards, you can further recruit smaller muscles around your hips like your Adductors (the muscle that brings your legs together).
- Beginner
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8. Shin Box Quad
11.1 mSCORESWAPPED 82 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.
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9. Squat with Rotation
10.2 mSCORESWAPPED 81 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.
- Beginner
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10. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 73 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.