How do side lunges target glutes?

Side lunges, also known as cossack squats, effectively target the glutes, particularly the gluteus medius or 'side butt.' When performing a side lunge, stepping laterally into the movement requires the gluteus medius to slow down lateral force. Pushing back to the starting position activates this muscle as it helps move the body not only upward but also laterally. This exercise addresses an often neglected area in most training programs, which typically do not include movements from side to side 1.