How to do Side Lunges

Lunges are among the best bodyweight exercises around. Why? You can do them anywhere, at any time, no equipment required, and they’re an effective way to target the legs, glutes, and thighs. While traditional lunges are great, it can be fun to mix it up with other variations like side lunges, which help you target the glutes more directly without being much more complicated. In this short video, Chris Freytag demonstrates how to do side lunges to work the legs, glutes, and thighs. Watch the demonstration and then try this lunge variation for yourself at home to get leaner legs and a more toned lower body.

To perform side lunges, start by stepping one foot out to the side and coming into a lunge. Be sure to keep your knee tracking over the top of your toes and push your butt back (almost like you’re setting it on a picnic bench) before coming back up. Repeat on the other side. As you push to the side, really engage your glutes before coming back up. You can do as many repetitions as you like, but to see results, aim for three sets of 8-12 repetitions. Incorporate side lunges in your next workout for a fun twist on traditional lunges.

Once you’ve mastered the side lunges, try other lunge variations to keep your muscles guessing and your legs nice and toned. Variations such as the curtsy lunge engage slightly different muscles than traditional lunges and keep you from getting bored with your usual workouts. Adding variety to your weekly workouts is one of the best ways to continue to see results and avoid hitting a dreaded weight loss plateau. Continue to do your lunges and you’ll see toned glutes, leaner legs, and trim thighs in no time.