Yes, lunges do work the hamstrings. While you’re mostly going to feel your quads and glutes burning during a lunge, your hamstrings also work quietly to assist the other muscles.

Here are the facts about how lunges work your hamstrings: Forward lunges work your hamstrings minimally, as stabilizers. Walking lunges engage your hamstrings more actively than forward lunges, but still do not build significant hamstring strength and muscle. Reverse lunges are the best lunge variation for building your hamstrings.

Reverse lunges activate your core, glutes, and hamstrings. They put less stress on your joints and give you a bit more stability in your front leg. This is ideal for people who have knee concerns, difficulty balancing, or less hip mobility.