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🦵 Walking Lunges

Walking Lunges are an intermediate knee exercise that targets the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors. Dynamic forward lunges that warm up the quads, glutes, and hip flexors. Excellent pre-run primer. They're commonly prescribed during rehabilitation for ACL Reconstruction, and for general conditioning. Below is how to perform Walking Lunges with correct form, plus the benefits, common mistakes, and how many reps to aim for.

KneeIntermediateNone2 × 12

Benefits of the Walking Lunges

  • Strengthens and activates the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors
  • Improves strength
  • Improves mobility
  • Improves stability
  • Supports recovery and rehab for ACL Reconstruction
  • Great for general conditioning and everyday strength
  • Can be done at home with no equipment
  • Performed standing, so it's easy to set up

How to do the Walking Lunges

  1. Stand tall with hands on hips or at sides
  2. Step forward with one leg into a lunge (front knee at 90°)
  3. Front knee tracks over ankle, back knee gently kisses the floor
  4. Push through front heel to bring back leg forward into next lunge
  5. Continue alternating for 12-15 steps per leg

How many reps & sets

A common starting point is 2 sets of 12 reps. Progress gradually and stop if you feel sharp pain.

Form tips

  • Keep torso upright
  • Don't let front knee cave in
  • Take long enough strides

Muscles worked

Quadriceps, Glutes, Hamstrings, Hip flexors

When to be cautious

  • Acute knee pain
  • Significant ACL instability without clearance

Who should do the Walking Lunges?

Walking Lunges are often included in programs for people recovering from ACL Reconstruction, as well as anyone training for general conditioning, and for anyone wanting to strengthen the knee. They're rated intermediate.

Walking Lunges — FAQ

What muscles do Walking Lunges work?
Walking Lunges primarily target the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and hip flexors.
How many sets and reps of Walking Lunges should I do?
A common starting point is 2 sets of 12 reps. Progress gradually and stop if you feel sharp pain.
Are Walking Lunges good for ACL Reconstruction?
Yes — Walking Lunges are commonly used in rehab for ACL Reconstruction. Confirm with your clinician before starting, especially if you have pain.
Do I need equipment for Walking Lunges?
No — Walking Lunges need no equipment and can be done at home.
When should I avoid Walking Lunges?
Take care or skip them if you have: acute knee pain and significant acl instability without clearance. When in doubt, check with your physiotherapist.
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