Gist
Yes, mainly through anti-rotation and bracing. Reverse lunges challenge trunk control while the base of support changes, especially with asymmetrical loading.
The calves stabilise the planted foot and contribute to the return, but reverse lunges are supplementary rather than primary calf training.
Yes. The front quadriceps extend the knee during the return from a reverse lunge and can grow when the movement is loaded progressively.
The hamstrings assist hip extension and stabilise the front leg, but reverse lunges usually provide less direct long-length hamstring loading than Romanian deadlifts or curls.
Yes. Reverse lunges can build the glutes because the front hip extends under load, especially with sufficient depth and a controlled forward torso angle.