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Exercise library · Quads

How to Do One Leg Barbell Squat

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the one leg barbell squat.

One Leg Barbell Squat animated demonstration from start to end position
Main musclesQuads
Also worksCalves, Glutes, Hamstrings
EquipmentBarbell
LevelExpert
TypeStrength

How to do it

  1. Start by standing about 2 to 3 feet in front of a flat bench with your back facing the bench. Have a barbell in front of you on the floor. Tip: Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other.
  2. Bend the knees and use a pronated grip with your hands being wider than shoulder width apart from each other to lift the barbell up until you can rest it on your chest.
  3. Then lift the barbell over your head and rest it on the base of your neck. Move one foot back so that your toe is resting on the flat bench. Your other foot should be stationary in front of you. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. Tip: Make sure your back is straight and chest is out while performing this exercise.
  4. As you inhale, slowly lower your leg until your thigh is parallel to the floor. At this point, your knee should be over your toes. Your chest should be directly above the middle of your thigh.
  5. Leading with the chest and hips and contracting the quadriceps, elevate your leg back to the starting position as you exhale.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
  7. Switch legs and repeat the movement.

Form tips

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Gear for this exercise

Barbell and plates setBarbell and plates setA proper home strength setup for squats and presses.See it on Amazon →Squat rack / power rackSquat rack / power rackThe centre of a serious home gym.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.

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