Barbell Lunge vs Zercher Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions vs 21. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Lunge and Zercher Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Lunge vs Zercher 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 21 for Zercher Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Lunge and Zercher 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 Zercher Squat Differ
| What differs | Barbell Lunge | Zercher Squat |
|---|---|---|
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,367 sessions | 21 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 Zercher Squat
Zercher Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight, then bend at the hip joint to lower your hips down.
- 2. Naturally bend your knees and lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hip joints in sequence, and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not come off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Zercher Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Zercher Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Lunge or Zercher Squat?
Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions against 21 for Zercher 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 Zercher Squat need?
Barbell Lunge needs a barbell, and Zercher Squat needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Zercher Squat once your form holds up.
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