Lunges primarily target the lower body muscles, but they also call on your core muscles because they are a unilateral (one-sided) exercise. The main muscles worked during lunges are:
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Quadriceps: The group of four muscles that includes the rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, and vastus intermedius.
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Glutes: The gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus.
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Adductor magnus: The muscle in your inner thigh.
Lunges also work your calves and hamstrings to a lesser extent. The specific muscles worked during lunges depend on the type of lunge variation you do and how you do it. For instance, forward, reverse, and side lunges have different main muscles worked. Lunges are a functional exercise that prepares you for movements needed in daily life, such as walking, running, ascending or descending stairs, and getting up from the ground.
