Gist
Walking lunges use the hamstrings for hip control and support, but their hamstring-growth stimulus is less predictable than that of hinges and leg curls.
Yes. Walking lunges repeatedly load knee extension, making them a practical quadriceps exercise when stride quality and resistance progress.
Yes. Walking lunges can build the glutes when each step reaches useful hip flexion and the lead leg performs the rise rather than the trailing leg pushing the body forward.
Yes. The leg press can build several leg muscles, especially the quadriceps, gluteus maximus and adductor magnus, although it does not train every lower-body muscle equally.
Yes. Evidence shows the leg press can increase adductor magnus size, particularly when the hip moves through a substantial, controlled range.
The hamstrings contribute to hip and knee control, but the leg press is not a strong primary hamstring exercise because their actions across the two joints partly offset.
Standard leg presses use the calves mainly for ankle stability. A deliberate calf-press variation is more specific for calf growth than ordinary repetitions.
Yes. The leg press can build the quadriceps effectively, especially the vasti, when the range is consistent and hard sets progress over time.
Step-ups can strengthen trunk and pelvic control, particularly under unilateral or offset loading, although direct core exercises allow more focused progression.