What muscles does the side lunge work?

The side lunges targets multiple muscle groups simultaneously. See the muscles worked section above for the complete primary and secondary muscle breakdown. The perimenopause relevance is significant: these are the exact muscle groups that atrophy fastest during hormonal decline.

How to do side lunges with proper form?

Start with the setup position described in the step-by-step guide above. The most important cue is maintaining a braced core and controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion. Common form errors include using momentum instead of muscle control and cutting the range of motion short. Our trainer video demonstrations show exactly what correct side lunges form looks like.

Is the side lunge safe during perimenopause?

Yes. Resistance training is one of the most evidence-backed interventions for perimenopause, with meta-analyses showing improvements in bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic markers. If you have specific medical conditions, consult a physiotherapist before starting. Our Dr. Wellls can also help you determine which exercises are safest for your body.

How many side lunges should I do per day?

Start with 3 sets of 10-12 reps, 2-3 times per week. This is the dose that research supports for both strength gains and bone density improvements. Quality always beats quantity. If your form deteriorates, stop and rest rather than grinding through bad reps.

What is a good side lunge alternative?

The best alternative depends on what you need. If the movement is too challenging, try the bodyweight or banded variation listed in our variations section. If you need a completely different exercise targeting the same muscles, check the related exercises below. Our Dr. Wellls can also recommend alternatives based on your specific limitations.

What are the benefits of side lunges?

The side lunges delivers muscle strengthening, bone loading, and metabolic benefits. For women in perimenopause specifically, it counteracts the accelerated muscle loss and bone density decline caused by estrogen withdrawal. See the full benefits breakdown above.

Side Lunge: How-to, Benefits & Variations

strengthmultiple muscle groups·medium intensity·mat·4 variations

This exercise isn't as simple as it looks. The side lunge is a targeted movement that addresses specific deficits in strength, stability, and bone loading.

Sophie Jones programs it in Wellls workouts for women who need results, not just motion. There's a difference.

Muscle Tone: Low Impact Hiit 1

Sophie Jones

60s clip

How to Do Side Lunges

Stand with feet together, hands clasped at chest height or holding a dumbbell at your chest.

Take a wide step to the right. As your right foot lands, push your hips back and bend the right knee, sitting into that hip.

Keep your left leg straight with the foot flat on the floor. Your right knee should track over your right toes.

Lower until your right thigh is parallel to the floor. You should feel a stretch in your left inner thigh.

Push off your right foot to return to center. Complete all reps on one side, or alternate sides.

Muscles Worked

Primary

Primary muscles

The main muscles targeted by the side lunge, responsible for producing the movement force.

Secondary

Stabilizer muscles

Support the primary movers and maintain proper joint alignment throughout the movement.

Why this matters in perimenopause

Women lose lean muscle mass progressively from their 30s, and the decline accelerates during perimenopause as estrogen levels drop. Regular resistance training directly counteracts this decline by stimulating muscle protein synthesis and providing mechanical loading for bone health.

Coach's Tips

"My feet aren't fully to the side there, but they're not fully facing forward, so nice comfy position." That's Sophie Jones's cue. This detail makes the difference between an effective rep and a wasted one.

Sophie Jones

"I'm not sticking my bum back too much. I've got my core tight, nice and flat." That's Sophie Jones's cue. This detail makes the difference between an effective rep and a wasted one.

Sophie Jones

If anything feels sharp rather than challenging, stop immediately. Drop the weight and check your form. Discomfort is fine. Pain is a message.

Start with bodyweight only until the movement feels natural. Add resistance gradually.

Why This Matters for You

The side lunge directly addresses three perimenopause priorities: muscle preservation, bone loading, and metabolic health. Estrogen decline after 40 accelerates sarcopenia, the age-related loss of lean muscle that changes body composition, weakens joints, and slows metabolism. Resistance training is the strongest evidence-backed countermeasure.

A 2023 network meta-analysis of 19 RCTs involving 919 postmenopausal women found moderate-intensity resistance training 3 days per week significantly improved lumbar spine and femoral neck bone mineral density. The effect was most pronounced during the first 48 weeks, meaning early adoption matters. The side lunge loads the exact skeletal sites and muscle groups that perimenopause targets first.

Dr. Wellls AI

Variations & Modifications

Side Lunge with Knee Hold

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Variation of the side lunge that modifies the standard movement pattern for different training emphasis.

Side Lunge with Frontal Raise

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Variation of the side lunge that modifies the standard movement pattern for different training emphasis.

Alternating Side Lunge with Bicep Curl

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Variation of the side lunge that modifies the standard movement pattern for different training emphasis.

Wide Stance Side Squats (Right)

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Variation of the side lunge that modifies the standard movement pattern for different training emphasis.

Benefits

Builds muscle where it matters most

The side lunge targets muscles that daily life either neglects or actively weakens. Desk work, driving, and couch sitting all create specific weakness patterns that this exercise reverses.

Strengthens bones at critical sites

Resistance training is the single most effective non-pharmaceutical intervention for bone density. A 2023 meta-analysis of 17 RCTs confirmed significant BMD improvements at the lumbar spine and femoral neck with regular strength training.

Fights perimenopause muscle loss

Women lose 3-5% of lean muscle mass per decade after 30. During perimenopause, estrogen decline accelerates the process. Resistance exercises directly counteract this by stimulating muscle protein synthesis.

No gym required

This exercise needs minimal or no equipment. A dumbbell, a resistance band, or nothing at all. The barrier to entry is low, which means the consistency of doing it stays high.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using momentum instead of muscle control

If you need to swing or jerk the weight, it is too heavy. Drop 20% and control every inch of the movement.

Inconsistent range of motion

Every rep should look the same. Full range from start to finish. Partial reps build partial strength.

Holding your breath throughout

Exhale on the exertion phase, inhale on the return. Breath-holding spikes blood pressure and reduces core stability.

Ignoring the eccentric (lowering) phase

The lowering phase builds more muscle than the lifting phase. Take 2-3 seconds to lower. Do not let gravity do the work.

Workouts Featuring This Exercise

Muscle Tone: Low Impact Hiit 1

Danielle Harrison·Beginner·Muscle Tone

Weight Loss: Barre Burn 1

Lianna Brice·Beginner·Weight Loss

Weight Loss: Rise And Shine 2

Sophie Jones·Beginner·Weight Loss

Muscle Tone: Functional Full Body 4

Linda Chambers·Beginner·Muscle Tone

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