What muscle group do lunges predominantly work?

Lunges predominantly target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteus maximus, making this answer the most accurate choice. When performing lunges, the front leg extends from the hip joint as you bend your knees to lower your body, actively engaging the quadriceps at the front of the thigh. Meanwhile, the hamstrings, located at the back of the thigh, work to stabilize the movement and assist in the bending motion. The gluteus maximus is involved as it helps to extend the hip joint, particularly when pushing back up to the starting position.

This combination of muscles makes lunges a comprehensive lower body exercise that promotes strength and stability by targeting key areas associated with both power and functional movement. In contrast, the other options presented do not encompass the primary muscle groups used during this exercise, making them less relevant to the context of lunges.