Glutes · Compound movement

Lateral Box Jump

A compound exercise that targets the glutes with secondary work in quads, adductors, abductors, calves. Performed with bodyweight.

Primary muscle

Glutes

Secondary muscles

Quads, Adductors, Abductors, Calves

Equipment

Bodyweight

Difficulty

Advanced

How to perform the Lateral Box Jump

  1. Stand beside a low, sturdy box with it to one side of you and the feet about hip-width apart.
  2. Dip into a quarter-squat and load the arms, then jump sideways up onto the box, landing softly on both feet.
  3. Absorb the landing on top in an athletic stance with the knees bent and tracking over the toes.
  4. Step back down to the starting side to reset, alternating the direction across sets so both sides are trained evenly.

Suggested working range: 36 reps. Default progression: manual.

Common mistakes

  • Landing stiff on top of the box instead of sinking softly into an athletic quarter-squat.
  • Letting the knee collapse inward on the sideways take-off or landing, which stresses the joint.
  • Jumping sideways back down off the box rather than stepping down to spare the joints.
  • Only ever training one direction, leaving the other side underdeveloped across the set.

Variations & alternatives

Swap in a related movement if equipment, recovery, or progression demands it.

Use this exercise in a program

The Lateral Box Jump fits naturally into hypertrophy and strength splits that prioritize glutes volume.

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