Exercise guide · beginner

Hips Flexor Lunges

Hips flexor lunges are a bodyweight exercise targeting the quadriceps and hip flexors, with secondary engagement of the glutes and hamstrings. They combine a forward lunge with a posterior pelvic tilt at the bottom to actively stretch and strengthen the hip flexors through a full range of motion.

quadriceps
FRONTBACK
PrimaryAlso worksOther anatomy
Exercise demonstration · Play, pause, or scrub without leaving this page.
Equipment
bodyweight
Typical range
8–15 reps
Also works
glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors

01 · Set up

1

Use a stance for Hips Flexor Lunges that lets both feet remain stable as you lower.

2

Square the hips and keep the working foot fully planted.

02 · Perform

1

Lower by bending both knees while the front knee tracks over the toes.

2

Keep the working heel planted at the bottom.

3

Push through the working foot to return and regain balance.

Coaching tips

  • Stay tall between both feet.
  • Keep the front heel heavy.
  • Move down and up.

Common mistakes

  • Using a stance too narrow for balance.
  • Letting the front knee collapse inward.
  • Pushing mostly from the trailing foot.

What it should feel like

Expect the quadriceps to do most of the work, without sharp or joint-focused pain.

Stop or modify when

Stop or shorten the range for sharp, sudden, worsening, or joint-focused pain.

Reviewed alternatives

Other ways to train the same primary muscles

Forward LungesWeighted Step-UpBodyweight Lateral Lunge