Jumping Split Lunges: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Author Ether Brown

Written By: Ether Brown

Updated: Oct 13, 2024

Workout Jumping Split Lunges
Primary Muscle Group Quads
Secondary Muscle Group Calves, Glutes
Equipment Required Bodyweight
Force Type N/A
Mechanics Compound
Exercise Type Cardio
Difficulty Intermediate

Jumping Split Lunges: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Muscle Groups

Primary Muscle Group

Quads Muscle Exercises

Secondary Muscles Group

Jumping Split Lunges: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1: Start in a lunge position with your right foot forward and your left foot behind you. Your right thigh should be parallel to the ground, and your left knee should be just above the floor.
  • Step 2: Engage your core and keep your chest up. Push off the ground with both feet, jumping explosively into the air.
  • Step 3: While in the air, switch the position of your legs, bringing your left foot forward and your right foot behind you.
  • Step 4: Land softly with your knees slightly bent, returning to a lunge position. Your left thigh should now be parallel to the ground, and your right knee should hover just above the floor.
  • Step 5: Immediately jump again, switching your legs in mid-air and repeating the movement for the desired number of reps.

Jumping Split Lunges: Overview

Jumping Split Lunges are a dynamic, plyometric exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves while also providing cardiovascular benefits. The explosive movement involved in this exercise increases power, strength, and endurance in the lower body.

This high-intensity exercise is ideal for athletes and individuals looking to improve their speed, agility, and coordination. Jumping Split Lunges can be incorporated into strength training or cardio routines to enhance overall lower-body fitness and conditioning.

Jumping Split Lunges: Benefits

Jumping Split Lunges primarily target the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. The explosive jumping action improves power and muscular endurance in the lower body, making it an excellent exercise for building athletic performance.

This exercise also enhances cardiovascular endurance, as the continuous jumping motion elevates your heart rate, making it effective for fat burning and overall conditioning. Additionally, the movement improves coordination, balance, and agility.

Because Jumping Split Lunges are a plyometric exercise, they help improve the fast-twitch muscle fibers responsible for explosive movements, which is beneficial for sports and functional fitness.

Jumping Split Lunges: Pro Tips & Advanced Techniques

Keep your core engaged and your chest upright throughout the movement to maintain balance. Land softly on the balls of your feet to reduce the impact on your knees. To increase difficulty, try slowing down the landing or holding a pair of light dumbbells for added resistance. Ready to build explosive power? Let’s jump!

Jumping Split Lunges: Progression Plan

Beginner

Sets: 2
Reps: 8-10 per leg
Progression Tips: Start with regular bodyweight lunges to build strength and stability. Once you are comfortable, transition to jumping lunges, focusing on controlled landings and balance.

Intermediate

Sets: 3
Reps: 10-12 per leg
Progression Tips: Increase the speed of your jumps while maintaining control. You can also hold light dumbbells to add resistance as you build strength and endurance.

Advanced

Sets: 4
Reps: 12-15 per leg
Progression Tips: Use heavier weights or slow down the landing to increase time under tension. You can also add a pause at the bottom of the lunge before jumping to challenge your stability and power.

Jumping Split Lunges: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What muscles do Jumping Split Lunges target?

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This exercise primarily targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves, while also engaging the core for stability and balance.

Are Jumping Split Lunges suitable for beginners?

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Jumping Split Lunges can be intense for beginners. Start with regular bodyweight lunges to build strength and coordination before progressing to the jumping variation. Focus on form and control before adding speed.

How can I make Jumping Split Lunges more challenging?

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To increase difficulty, hold a pair of dumbbells or wear a weighted vest. You can also try slowing down the landing phase to increase time under tension or add a pause at the bottom of the lunge for more muscle activation.

How often should I include Jumping Split Lunges in my routine?

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Include this exercise 2-3 times per week as part of your lower-body or cardio workout. It pairs well with other plyometric or explosive movements like jump squats or box jumps for a complete power workout.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

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Avoid landing too hard or letting your knees collapse inward. Focus on landing softly on the balls of your feet and keeping your knees aligned with your toes. Maintain control throughout the exercise to avoid injury.

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