Quick Answer
Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) is a beginner yoga exercise that targets your hip flexors and quadriceps. It uses only your bodyweight. From High Lunge, lower the back knee to the floor.
Video Tutorial
How to Perform the Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
- 1
From High Lunge, lower the back knee to the floor.
- 2
Front knee stacks over ankle; press hips forward.
- 3
Reach arms overhead, gentle backbend.
- 4
Feel a deep stretch in the back hip flexor.
- 5
Hold for 5 breaths, then switch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- !Rushing reps instead of controlling the lowering (eccentric) phase — aim for 2–3 seconds down.
- !Letting form break down as reps add up. Stop the set when technique slips, not when you physically can't do another rep.
- !Letting knees cave inward (valgus) — track them in line with your second toe throughout the rep.
Tips for Better Form
- ✓Breathe out during the effort (concentric) and breathe in on the return (eccentric).
- ✓Use a mirror or film yourself on your first session — your perceived form and actual form often differ.
- ✓Brace your core as if someone were about to punch you in the stomach. This stabilizes your spine in every rep.
- ✓Don't worry about load — master the movement pattern with light weight or easier variations first.
Alternative Exercises
If the Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) isn't right for your body, equipment, or goal, try these similar exercises that hit the same muscle groups:
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does the Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) work?
The Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) primarily targets your hip flexors and quadriceps.
What equipment do I need for the Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)?
The Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) needs no equipment — just your bodyweight. You can perform it at home or at the gym as long as you have what's listed.
Is the Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) suitable for beginners?
Yes. The Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) is a beginner-level exercise. Start with lighter load or fewer reps and focus on form before adding intensity.
How many sets and reps of Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) should I do?
For strength: 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps with longer rest (2–3 min). For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with moderate rest (60–90 sec). For endurance: 2–3 sets of 15+ reps with short rest (30–45 sec). Adjust based on your program and goal.
Can I do the Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana) every day?
No. Muscles need 48 hours to recover between heavy training sessions. If you want to train hip flexors and quadriceps more frequently, alternate harder and easier variations and keep overall weekly volume moderate.