Lunge vs Leg Curl
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Lunge works multiple joints at once, Leg Curl isolates — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 1. See which fits your Leg day.
Compare the benefits of Lunge and Leg Curl and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Lunge vs Leg Curl: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,861 sessions compared to 2,988 for Lunge.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Lunge and Leg Curl 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 Leg Curl Differ
| What differs | Lunge | Leg Curl |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | quads, hamstrings, and glutes | hamstrings and calves |
| Equipment | bodyweight only | a machine |
| One side at a time | Yes | No |
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 1 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,988 sessions | 39,861 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 Leg Curl
Leg Curl Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Engage your hamstrings and glutes, and lift the ankle pads up to your hips.
- 2. Lower down only until your knees are fully extended against the weight resistance.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to fully extend your knees.
- 2. Please be careful not to lift your upper body.
For a full Leg Curl guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Leg Curl exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Lunge or Leg Curl?
Planfit users log Leg Curl more often — 39,861 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.
Do Lunge and Leg Curl work the same muscles?
Not quite. Lunge loads quads, hamstrings, and glutes, and Leg Curl loads hamstrings and calves.
What equipment do Lunge and Leg Curl need?
Lunge needs bodyweight only, and Leg Curl needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Leg Curl is the easier place to start. Move to Lunge once your form holds up.
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