Side Lunge vs Cross Lunge
Maximizing Your Leg Workout Plan
Contents
Side Lunge is the easier place to start — difficulty 2 of 5 vs 3. Compare Leg form cues and when to progress.
Customize Your Leg Workout: Explore the Benefits of Side Lunge and Cross Lunge for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Side Lunge vs Cross Lunge : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Cross Lunge more often — 2,196 sessions compared to 2,021 for Side Lunge.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Side Lunge and Cross Lunge differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Side Lunge and Cross Lunge Differ
| What differs | Side Lunge | Cross Lunge |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 2 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 2,021 sessions | 2,196 sessions |
How to Side Lunge
Side Lunge muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Move one foot to the side and shift your weight.
- 2. Bend the knee of the moved leg and keep the opposite leg straight.
- 3. Apply pressure to the center of the bent knee and slowly rise back to the starting position.
- 4. Repeat the same on the opposite side.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. Please make sure that your center of gravity does not shift too much to the side.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Side Lunge, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Side Lunge Guide page of our blog!
How to Cross Lunge
Cross Lunge muscles worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Move one leg behind the other leg to cross the two legs while bending your knees.
- 2. Keep your upper body facing forward without turning.
- 3. Slowly return to the starting position.
- 4. Proceed one side at a time or alternately.
Coach's Comment
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body forward.
- 2. Please make sure that your center of gravity does not lean too far forward.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Cross Lunge, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Cross Lunge Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Side Lunge or Cross Lunge?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Leg, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Side Lunge and Cross Lunge need?
Side Lunge needs bodyweight only, and Cross Lunge needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Side Lunge is the easier place to start. Move to Cross Lunge once your form holds up.
Get free AI personalized workout plan
Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.
It's a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.
