How to Do Chair Squat
Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the chair squat.

| Main muscles | Quads |
| Also works | Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Level | Beginner |
| Type | Strength |
How to do it
- To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Once the bar is loaded, step under it and position it across the back of your shoulders.
- Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs.
- Move your feet forward about 18 inches in front of the bar. Position your legs using a shoulder width stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.
- Slowly lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper and lower leg breaks 90 degrees.
- Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heels of your feet, extending the knees and returning to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Form tips
- Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
- Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
- Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
- Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).
Similar exercises






Gear for this exercise
Gym duffel bagShoe compartment and space for everything.See it on Amazon →
Gym glovesBetter grip and fewer calluses.See it on Amazon →New fat-loss tips every day. Follow danfitnz everywhere: