Dumbbell Lunge vs Sumo Deadlift

Which one fits your Leg workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Lunge more often — 17,996 sessions vs 1,151. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Lunge and Sumo Deadlift and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.

Dumbbell Lunge vs Sumo Deadlift: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Lunge more often — 17,996 sessions compared to 1,151 for Sumo Deadlift.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Lunge and Sumo Deadlift differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.

How Dumbbell Lunge and Sumo Deadlift Differ

What differsDumbbell LungeSumo Deadlift
Muscles workedquads, hamstrings, and glutesglutes, back, quads, and hamstrings
Equipmenta dumbbella barbell
One side at a timeYesNo
Difficulty2 of 54 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users17,996 sessions1,151 sessions

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How to Do Dumbbell Lunge

Dumbbell Lunge demo video

Dumbbell Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Step one foot forward and raise the heel of the opposite foot.
  2. 2. Lower down until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
  3. 3. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
  4. 4. Repeat the same with the opposite leg.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
  2. 2. When bending your knees, please be careful that the knee of the foot you step forward with does not go beyond the foot.
  3. 3. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.

For a full Dumbbell Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Lunge exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Lunge?Exercise Guide

How to Do Sumo Deadlift

Sumo Deadlift demo video

Sumo Deadlift Muscles Worked: Leg

Form

  1. 1. Move your hips back while lifting the barbell forward.
  2. 2. Push against the floor and apply pressure to the center of your feet.
  3. 3. When you are fully upright, puff out your chest and contract your entire posterior.
  4. 4. Move your hips back again and bend your knees to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please keep your chest open so that your shoulders do not hunch forward.
  2. 2. Engage your core to prevent your lower back from rounding.
  3. 3. Be careful not to let your knees collapse inward when standing up.
  4. 4. Do not excessively arch your back while trying to keep it straight.

For a full Sumo Deadlift guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Sumo Deadlift exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Sumo Deadlift?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Leg, Dumbbell Lunge or Sumo Deadlift?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Lunge more often — 17,996 sessions against 1,151 for Sumo Deadlift. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.

Do Dumbbell Lunge and Sumo Deadlift work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Lunge loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Sumo Deadlift loads glutes, back, quads, and hamstrings.

What equipment do Dumbbell Lunge and Sumo Deadlift need?

Dumbbell Lunge needs a dumbbell, and Sumo Deadlift needs a barbell.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Sumo Deadlift once your form holds up.

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