Lunge stepping up to a bench with barbell

Step in the direction required by the variation and lower by bending the hip and knee together. Drive through the supporting foot to return without losing alignment. Prioritize control over speed. Maintain useful tension through the range and deliberately reset the starting position before the next repetition.

Do not turn the final repetitions into fast or partial movements. Aim to load hamstrings, glutes and hip flexors, quadriceps and calves without sacrificing position; at intermediate level, progress control first and then add load, repetitions or complexity. Make sure the bench is stable and that the shoulders, pelvis or feet do not shift during the set.