Smith Sprint Lunge
Learn how to do the Smith Sprint Lunge with proper form and technique. This smith machine exercise primarily targets your Glutes, with secondary emphasis on Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Calves.

How to Do the Smith Sprint Lunge
Follow these steps to perform the Smith Sprint Lunge with correct form:
- 1Set up the smith machine with the barbell at hip height.
- 2Stand facing away from the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- 3Step back with your right foot and place it on the barbell, resting the top of your foot on the bar.
- 4Bend your left knee and lower your body into a lunge position, keeping your back straight.
- 5Push through your left heel to return to the starting position.
- 6Repeat on the other side, stepping back with your left foot.
- 7Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Smith Sprint Lunge Muscles Worked
Primary
Secondary
Exercise Details
- Equipment
- smith machine
- Body Part
- upper legs
- Category
- Extended
Recovery & Training Frequency
- Recommended Recovery Time
- 3–5 days
- Weekly Frequency
- 1–2 sessions per week
- Why
- Heavy multi-joint barbell lifts produce substantial mechanical tension across large muscle groups and significant CNS fatigue. Israetel et al. recommend 48–72 h minimum; many intermediate lifters need a full 96+ h for true supercompensation on squat or deadlift patterns.
Sets & Reps by Goal
Strength
- Sets
- 3–6
- Reps
- 1–5
- Rest
- 3–5 min
Use 80–95% of 1RM. The primary goal is maximal force production. Linear or undulating periodisation works well.
Hypertrophy
- Sets
- 3–5
- Reps
- 6–12
- Rest
- 60–120 s
Keep 1–3 reps in reserve (RIR). Compound lifts at moderate load drive significant hypertrophy across multiple muscle groups simultaneously (Schoenfeld, 2010).
Endurance
- Sets
- 2–4
- Reps
- 15–20
- Rest
- 30–60 s
Lighter loads with higher reps improve local muscular endurance and work capacity. Not typically a primary use case for heavy barbell movements.
Which Workout Splits Include Smith Sprint Lunge?
Based on the muscles this exercise targets, it fits naturally into these training splits and day types:
Push / Pull / Legs
Leg Day
Upper / Lower
Lower Day
Full Body
Any session
Bro Split
Leg Day
Not sure which split is right for you? Cora builds personalised training plans that match your schedule and goals. Learn more about progressive overload.
Related Exercises
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Smith Sprint Lunge work?
The Smith Sprint Lunge primarily targets your Glutes. Secondary muscles worked include Quadriceps, Hamstrings, Calves. This makes it an effective exercise for developing your upper legs.
What equipment do I need for the Smith Sprint Lunge?
The Smith Sprint Lunge requires smith machine. Make sure your equipment is properly set up and you have enough space to perform the movement with full range of motion.
How do I perform the Smith Sprint Lunge with proper form?
Start by Set up the smith machine with the barbell at hip height. Stand facing away from the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step back with your right foot and place it on the barbell, resting the top of your foot on the bar. Focus on controlled movement throughout the entire range of motion. See the full step-by-step instructions above for complete form guidance.
How often should I do the Smith Sprint Lunge?
For most people, allow 3–5 days between sessions targeting the same muscle group. That translates to 1–2 sessions per week. Heavy multi-joint barbell lifts produce substantial mechanical tension across large muscle groups and significant CNS fatigue. Israetel et al. recommend 48–72 h minimum; many intermediate lifters need a full 96+ h for true supercompensation on squat or deadlift patterns.
What are the best sets and reps for the Smith Sprint Lunge?
It depends on your goal. For strength: 3–6 sets of 1–5 with 3–5 min rest. For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–5 sets of 6–12 with 60–120 s rest. For endurance: 2–4 sets of 15–20 with 30–60 s rest.
Which workout splits is the Smith Sprint Lunge best for?
The Smith Sprint Lunge fits well into the following training splits: Push / Pull / Legs (Leg Day), Upper / Lower (Lower Day), Full Body (Any session), Bro Split (Leg Day). It is classified as a legs, lower movement.
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