Barbell Narrow Squat vs Barbell Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions vs 46. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Narrow Squat and Barbell Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Narrow Squat vs Barbell Lunge: 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 46 for Barbell Narrow Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Narrow Squat and Barbell Lunge differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Narrow Squat and Barbell Lunge Differ
| What differs | Barbell Narrow Squat | Barbell Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and outer thighs | quads, hamstrings, and glutes |
| One side at a time | No | Yes |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 46 sessions | 1,367 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Narrow Squat
Barbell Narrow Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your waist straight while bending at the hips to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning 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 lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Barbell Narrow Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Narrow Squat exercise guide.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Narrow Squat or Barbell Lunge?
Planfit users log Barbell Lunge more often — 1,367 sessions against 46 for Barbell Narrow Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Narrow Squat and Barbell Lunge work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Narrow Squat loads quads, hamstrings, and outer thighs, and Barbell Lunge loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes.
What equipment do Barbell Narrow Squat and Barbell Lunge need?
Barbell Narrow Squat needs a barbell, and Barbell Lunge needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Narrow Squat once your form holds up.
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