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Bodyweight Reverse Lunge with Overhead Reach

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Bodyweight Reverse Lunge with Overhead Reach.

EasyGlutesQuadriceps

About this exercise

A bodyweight reverse lunge combined with a bilateral overhead arm reach, challenging lower-body strength, hip mobility, and thoracic extension simultaneously. Stepping backward into the lunge while reaching overhead creates a full-body stretch through the hip flexors and lat while loading the quadriceps and glutes.

How to Perform

  • Stand tall with feet hip-width apart and arms at your sides
  • Step one foot back and lower your back knee toward the floor into a reverse lunge
  • As you lower, simultaneously reach both arms straight overhead, extending through your thoracic spine
  • Keep your front knee aligned over your front foot and your torso upright
  • Pause briefly at the bottom with arms fully extended overhead
  • Drive through your front heel to return to standing while lowering your arms
  • Alternate legs each rep or complete all reps on one side before switching

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesQuadriceps
Secondary
HamstringsCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Bodyweight Reverse Lunge with Overhead Reach

The Bodyweight Reverse Lunge with Overhead Reach is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.