Lunge vs Dumbbell Lunge
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lunge more often — 17,996 sessions vs 2,988. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Lunge and Dumbbell Lunge and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Lunge vs Dumbbell Lunge: 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 2,988 for Lunge.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lunge and Dumbbell Lunge differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Lunge and Dumbbell Lunge Differ
| What differs | Lunge | Dumbbell Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,988 sessions | 17,996 sessions |
How to Do Lunge
Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Step forward with one foot and raise the heel of the opposite foot.
- 2. Lower yourself until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 3. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 4. Repeat the same with the opposite leg.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 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. Please ensure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
For a full Lunge guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Lunge exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Lunge
Dumbbell Lunge Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Step one foot forward and raise the heel of the opposite foot.
- 2. Lower down until the angle of both knees is 90 degrees.
- 3. Keep your chest open and your back straight as you return to the starting position.
- 4. Repeat the same with the opposite leg.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 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. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Lunge or Dumbbell Lunge?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Lunge more often — 17,996 sessions against 2,988 for Lunge. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Lunge and Dumbbell Lunge need?
Lunge needs bodyweight only, and Dumbbell Lunge needs a dumbbell.
Stop Guessing Which One to Do
AI picks your workouts based on your goals, body type, and experience.

