Forward Pulse Lunge with Hands Overhead

A high-tension variation of the lunge. Holding arms overhead increases core demand and challenges thoracic mobility while pulsing keeps tension on the legs.

Exercise Details

Level
Intermediate
Body Area
lower
Type
lunge
Mechanics
Compound
Required Equipment
Target Muscle Groups
Primary
Secondary

Setup

Stand in a split stance. Raise your arms straight overhead. Engage your core and keep your shoulders down.

Instructions

1. Lower into a lunge.
2. Perform small up-and-down "pulses" in the bottom range.
3. Keep the rear knee just above the floor.
4. Maintain an upright torso.
5. Stand up after the set.

Common Mistakes

1. Arching the lower back.
2. Arms drifting forward.
3. Knees caving inward.

Alternative Exercises

Squat
Beginner / Bodyweight-only / Quads / squat
The fundamental lower-body compound exercise. It targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings while building core stability and overall functional strength.
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