Curtsy Lunge

Curtsy Lunge is a split-stance lower-body exercise that develops single-leg strength, balance, and hip control.

Primary muscle

Upper Legs

Primary musclesQuadriceps, Gluteus maximus

Secondary musclesHamstrings, Hip adductors, Gluteus medius, Calves

Equipment

Bodyweight

How to perform Curtsy Lunge

Follow the sequence in order, paying attention to the starting position, movement path, and finish described in each step.

For Curtsy Lunge, stand tall and step one foot diagonally behind the other while the pelvis continues to face forward.
Brace the trunk and distribute pressure across the whole front foot before lowering.
Lower by bending both legs while the front knee tracks over the toes and the torso remains controlled.
Stop before the back knee strikes the floor or balance shifts off the front foot.
Drive through the front foot to return to the starting stance. Repeat without changing the established position.

Use enough distance for the front heel to remain down and both knees to bend without crowding the stance.

Track the front knee with the toes and keep pressure across the whole front foot.

Let the working leg produce the return instead of bouncing from the rear foot or floor.

Keep the hips level and facing forward rather than twisting or dropping to one side.

Stride is too short: Use enough distance for the front heel to remain down and both knees to bend without crowding the stance.
Pushing from the wrong leg: Let the working leg produce the return instead of bouncing from the rear foot or floor.
Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
Alternative Supported split squat: Hold a rack or suspension trainer and lower in a fixed stance before adding a step.

Place Curtsy Lunge after the main two-leg lift, or first in the strength block when loaded lunging and single-leg control are the primary goals.

Use one or two focused exposures per week and count them with other demanding quad and glute work.

Goal	Sets	Reps or time	Rest	Effort and execution
Strength accessory	2–4	6–10 per side	75–150 sec	Leave 2–3 controlled reps in reserve
Muscle growth	2–4	8–15 per side	60–120 sec	Usually 1–3 clean reps in reserve

Use Curtsy Lunge after Barbell Back Squats or Leg Press as extra one-leg work.
Pair it with Seated Calf Raises when balance and knee control remain consistent.

Scale the movement