Exercises / Reverse Lunge
Reverse Lunge
The reverse lunge is a dumbbell compound movement that trains glutes first, with quads and hamstrings as secondary. Default rest between sets in the app: 120 s (2 min). Logged one side at a time.
Also called: step-back lunge.
Rep and RIR targets by goal
These are the sets the Zyra Workouts program generator writes for a compound exercise under each goal. RIR is reps in reserve — how many more reps you could have done when the set ended. A default the app starts from, not a prescription.
| Goal | Reps per set | RIR | Rep ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 | 2 | 6 |
| Hypertrophy | 6–10 | 2 | 10 |
| General | 8–12 | 2 | 12 |
How progression steps on Reverse Lunge
The app moves the load on Reverse Lunge in steps of 2 kg — the fixed step the app uses for dumbbells, machines and cable stacks. The rule is the same for every exercise: the rep ceiling is the midpoint of the rep range plus the RIR target (for the hypertrophy row here, 6–10 reps @ RIR 2 → ceiling 10). Clear the ceiling and the next set is one step heavier at the bottom of the range; fall under the range floor and it backs off one step; anything between holds.
Worked example, in the app's words: Last time 25 kg × 11 · target 6–10 @RIR 2 (ceiling 10) → +3 kg → 28 kg × 6.
Alternatives
Tools for this exercise: Reverse Lunge 1RM calculator · Reverse Lunge load chart (% of 1RM)
Frequently asked
What muscles does the reverse lunge work?
In the Zyra Workouts catalog the reverse lunge is tagged with glutes as its primary muscle and quads and hamstrings as secondary. The app counts a primary set as one set for that muscle and a secondary set as half a set. Which muscles a lift loads most also depends on technique and range of motion.
How many reps and sets for the reverse lunge?
The app's program generator sets 3–5 reps @ RIR 2 for strength, 6–10 reps @ RIR 2 for hypertrophy, 8–12 reps @ RIR 2 for general — the compound rule, 2–4 sets depending on goal and experience. These are the generator's defaults, not a prescription; a coach can adjust them to you.
What can I do instead of the reverse lunge?
The app's swap ranking (same primary muscle, then feasible in your gym, same type, same equipment) offers Glute Bridge, Hip Thrust and Cable Glute Kickback. All train glutes first.
Muscle groups
- Glutes — counts as a full set
- Quads — counts as half a set
- Hamstrings — counts as half a set
Related exercises
Other lunge & single-leg movements in the catalog:
Guides for Reverse Lunge
Log it in Zyra Workouts
Zyra Workouts logs your sets on the reverse lunge, applies this progression rule to suggest the next load, and counts the work toward your weekly sets per muscle — offline-first, on iOS. It is in development and not yet on the App Store.
Zyra is a training and nutrition tracking tool. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or an individual prescription. The numbers are estimates from published formulas and the apps' own rules — consult a qualified professional for decisions about your health, and a coach for your training.