What’s more, this movement targets the sides of the glutes (aka the gluteus medius), which provides stability for the hip joint. Plus, it can help open up any tightness in your hips and groin. On top of that, the side-to-side movement can help cultivate balance and stability. While it’s a great, dynamic exercise on its own, adding some weights to lateral lunges can turn this simple move into a full-body exercise. Lateral lunges are a beginner-friendly move, perfect for warming up the body before a workout, or even as part of the workout itself. So the next time you want to work those inner thighs and glutes, give lateral lunges a try.