Curtsy Lunges

Muscles worked: Legs & Glutes, Inner Thighs & Hips · Also: Glutes & Hips, Calves

Curtsy Lunges are a lunge variation where the stepping leg crosses behind the standing leg, like a curtsy. The cross-behind position works the outer hips and glutes differently from a straight lunge.

Step back and across only as far as you can while keeping your hips square and your front knee steady. Keep the movement controlled and the torso tall — if your balance wobbles, shorten the step until it feels steady.

How to do it

1. Stand tall, then step one leg back and across behind the standing leg, like a curtsy.
2. Step only as far as you can while keeping your hips square and your front knee steady.
3. Lower with control, keeping your torso tall.
4. Push back to standing through your front foot.
5. If your balance wobbles, shorten the step until it feels steady.

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General fitness information only, not medical advice. Stop if an exercise causes pain, and talk to a doctor before starting a new workout routine if you have a health condition.