Gist
Yes. The front-leg quadriceps work hard through knee flexion and extension, and the unilateral setup can make moderate loads highly challenging.
The core braces during take-off and landing, but jump squats are not a direct abdominal hypertrophy exercise.
Jump squats challenge the calves during rapid plantar flexion, but the low time under tension makes them better for power than for dedicated hypertrophy.
The hamstrings help coordinate take-off and landing, but jump squats prioritise speed and do not provide the long-length tension used in most hamstring growth programmes.
They train rapid quadriceps force, but their best use is power development; slower progressive resistance usually offers a clearer growth stimulus.
They recruit the glutes explosively, but jump squats are primarily a power exercise and are less predictable for hypertrophy than loaded squats and hinges.
Yes. The adductors stabilise the pelvis and can assist hip extension in deeper lunges, although the amount of growth depends on range, load and individual technique.
Lunges can strengthen the core through bracing, balance and force transfer, but the trunk stimulus is mainly isometric and should be complemented when abdominal growth is the goal.
Lunges involve the hamstrings through co-contraction and hip control, but they are usually a secondary hamstring exercise rather than a replacement for hinges and curls.