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Exercises
Exercises
Lunges
Evidence-grounded — sourced from Fysiqal's fitness knowledge graph· 1 min read
quadricepsgluteshipcompoundbarbelldumbbelllower-body
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In one line
Lunge emphasizing the adductors and gluteus maximus, with the quads assisting; a key gluteus maximus exercise.
Detail
Lunges are listed under quadriceps with adductor brevis, adductor magnus, and gluteus maximus as primary muscles and the three vasti as secondary. They are also a primary gluteus maximus exercise: the gluteus maximus is most active when movement between the pelvis and femur goes beyond 15 degrees of extension (as in lunges and sprinting). Performed with a barbell or dumbbells (also the glutes/hip "Lunges (Gma, Q, Add)" checklist entry).
Key facts
- Primary Muscles: Adductor Brevis, Adductor Magnus, Gluteus Maximus.
- Secondary Muscles: Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis, Vastus Intermedius.
- Gluteus maximus most active beyond 15 degrees of hip extension.
Connections
- hip-adductors — adductor brevis/magnus primary.
- gluteus-maximus — primary hip extensor.
- quadriceps — secondary knee extensors.
- hip-extensors — hip-extensor group.
SourceReference manual
p.104p.312p.364p.632p.684
Cited authorities in source: Yessis (1992).
Educational content only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified professional for individualized guidance, especially around injury, pregnancy, or medical conditions.
Explore related topics
Atlas Connections
Gluteus Maximus
The strongest, largest muscle in the body; the primary hip extensor and a lateral rotator of the femur.Hip Adductors
The hip adductors are the pectineus, adductor brevis, adductor longus, adductor magnus, and gracilis.Hip Extensors
The primary hip extensors are the gluteus maximus and the hamstrings.Knee-Toe Relationship
A squat-alignment concept balancing keeping the knees from passing the toes against keeping the spine vertical — the "happy medium."Quadriceps
The four knee extensors — rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius (rectus femoris also flexes the hip); knee ROM 90°.Intensity
The amount of weight (resistance) lifted — also shaped by speed, reps, sets, rest interval, and workout duration.