Barbell Lunge vs Pendulum Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions vs 318. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Lunge and Pendulum Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Lunge vs Pendulum Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions compared to 318 for Pendulum Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Lunge and Pendulum Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Lunge and Pendulum Squat Differ
| What differs | Barbell Lunge | Pendulum Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,367 sessions | 318 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Lunge
Barbell Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Step one foot forward and lower yourself until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 2. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 3. Switch legs and perform the same on the opposite side.
- 4. Proceed one side at a time or alternate between sides.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. When bending your knees, please make sure that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
- 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Barbell Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Lunge exercise guide.
How to Do Pendulum Squat
Pendulum Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Slowly lower yourself down into a deep squat by bending your knees and hips together.
- 2. When your thighs are parallel to the floor or lower, please pause for a moment.
- 3. Push the floor with the entire foot to straighten your legs and slowly rise back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your knees come too far inward or your toes extend too much.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from excessively bending or twisting, and start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form rather than a very heavy one.
For a full Pendulum Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pendulum Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Lunge or Pendulum Squat?
Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions against 318 for Pendulum Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Lunge and Pendulum Squat need?
Barbell Lunge needs a barbell, and Pendulum Squat needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Pendulum Squat once your form holds up.
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