Squat Guide
- Exercise Type: Compound - engages and works multiple muscle groups at the same time.
- Targeted Muscle Groups: - primary: quadriceps
- secondary: gluteal, hamstring
- tertiary: calves
- quaternary: abs, lower back, obliques
 
How to perform?
Squat primarily refers to Back Squat , but also ,,squat" refers to other variants of squat (check the variants tab bellow to learn more).
A squat is a strength exercise in which the trainee lowers their hips from a standing position and then stands back up. During the descent of a squat, the hip and knee joints flex while the ankle joint dorsiflexes; conversely the hip and knee joints extend and the ankle joint plantarflexes when standing up.
The squat is arguably the best exercise for building leg muscles. Because it's a compound exercise and it involves a lot of muscles, joints, and tendons, it not only builds muscle but it strengthens your core.
Steps to perform:
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward.
- Keep your chest up, shoulders back, and core engaged.
- Lower your body by bending at the hips and knees simultaneously.
- Aim to bring your thighs parallel to the ground or as far as comfortable.
- Ensure your knees stay aligned with your toes, not extending beyond.
- Maintain a straight back and avoid rounding your shoulders.
- Press through your heels to return to the starting position.
- Keep the movement controlled, emphasizing proper form.
- Breathe in on the descent and exhale as you push back up.
Variations
- ATG Squat compound
- Bulgarian Split Squats compound
- Close-Stance Barbell Squat compound
- Front Barbell Squat compound
- Hack Squat compound
- Heel-Elevated Front Squat compound
- High Bar Squat compound
- Pause Squat compound
- Reverse Hack Squat compound
- Safety Bar Close-Stance Squat compound
- Smith Machine Bulgarian Split Squat compound
- Smith Machine Squat compound
- Sumo-Stance Barbell Squat compound
- Squat with Core Twist compound
- Pit Shark Squat compound
Similar Exercises
- Alternating Lunges compound
- Dumbbell Sumo Squats compound
- Front Loaded Cable Squat compound
- Front Rack Reverse Lunge compound
- Jump squat with pulse compound
- Leg Press compound
- Leg Press with Resistance Bands compound
- Lunges compound
- Nautilus Chest Press compound
- Plank to jump squat compound
- Poliquin Step-Up compound
- Side Push-Ups compound
- Single Leg Press compound
- Sissy Squats compound
- Smith machine front squat compound
- Smith Machine Lunges compound
- Squat Jumps compound
- Squat Static Holds compound
- Step ups compound
- Sumo Deadlift compound
- Walking Barbell Lunge compound
- Walking Dumbbell Lunge compound
- Weighted Sissy Squats compound
- Booty Bodyweight Donkey Glute Kicks isolation
- Leg Lifts With Cris-Cross Movement isolation
- Quad Extensions (Leg Extensions) isolation
- Single-Leg Quad Extensions isolation
- Squat Walk isolation
- Cycling Machine cardio
- Jogging-Treadmill cardio
- Walking-Treadmill cardio
- Prowler Sled plyometric
- Reverse static plank isometric
- Wall Sits isometric
