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Reviewed March 2026

Lunge Jumps

CardioNo EquipmentIntermediateCardio

Primary

Cardio

Secondary

Quadriceps, Glutes, Hamstrings

Equipment

None

Difficulty

Intermediate

Type

Squat

Written byMySetPlan Training Team

NASM-CPT, CSCS certified trainers. Every guide is built from peer-reviewed research and real coaching experience.

An isolation exercise that lets you focus on one muscle group, the Lunge Jumps targets your cardio through a squat pattern movement pattern. Use for HIIT, leg conditioning, or athletic training.

Everything You Need to Know About the Lunge Jumps

The Lunge Jumps is a intermediate difficulty exercise that targets your Quadriceps and Glutes. It's a popular choice for building strength and muscle in these areas. When should you use it? Use for HIIT, leg conditioning, or athletic training. This timing makes the most of your workout and helps you get better results. Who is this for? Intermediate athletes with good lunge form. Whether you're just starting out or working toward a specific goal, this exercise fits into your routine.

What muscles does the Lunge Jumps work?

Primary

QuadricepsGlutes

Secondary

HamstringsHip Flexors

Stabilizers

CoreCalves

Step-by-step: Lunge Jumps

  1. 1

    Start in a lunge position with right foot forward.

  2. 2

    Lower until both knees are at 90 degrees.

  3. 3

    Explode upward, switching leg positions in air.

  4. 4

    Land softly in a lunge with left foot forward.

  5. 5

    Continue alternating without pause.

What are the best tips for the Lunge Jumps?

Land softly with front knee over ankle.

Use arms for balance and momentum.

Keep torso upright throughout.

Start slower and increase speed.

Mistakes to watch for on the Lunge Jumps

Front knee caving inward.

Letting your knees collapse inward during the Lunge Jumps puts dangerous rotational force on your knee ligaments. Push your knees out over your toes throughout the movement.

Torso leaning too far forward.

Squatting patterns like the Lunge Jumps load your entire lower body. This mistake shifts that load to structures that weren't designed to handle it. Stay controlled and let your Quadriceps absorb the work.

Not switching legs completely.

Squatting patterns like the Lunge Jumps load your entire lower body. This mistake shifts that load to structures that weren't designed to handle it. Stay controlled and let your Quadriceps absorb the work.

Landing too heavily.

Squatting patterns like the Lunge Jumps load your entire lower body. This mistake shifts that load to structures that weren't designed to handle it. Stay controlled and let your Quadriceps absorb the work.

Who should do the Lunge Jumps?

Intermediate athletes with good lunge form.

How to Program the Lunge Jumps

Strength6-10 per side

Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.

Muscle Growth10-15 per side

This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.

Endurance15-20 per side

Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.

General guideline: 3-4 sets of 10-12 per side. Rest 30-45 seconds between sets.

What are good alternatives to the Lunge Jumps?

Other Variations

  • Scissors Jumps
  • Continuous Lunge Jumps
  • Lunge Jump to Stick
  • Weighted Lunge Jump

This Exercise Is in Your Plan

MySetPlan picks the right exercises for your goals — like the Lunge Jumps — and builds them into a monthly program. Every set, every rep, planned out.

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Safety Notes

  • Master walking lunges first.
  • Land with proper alignment.
  • Start with fewer reps.