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Hominin · exercise

Chair Squat

Chair Squat is a beginner strength exercise using machine. It works the quadriceps, with help from the calves, glutes and hamstrings.

beginnermachinepush movementcompoundstrength

Main muscles
quadriceps
Also works
calves, glutes, hamstrings

How to do it

  1. 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.
  2. Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Watch a form tutorial on YouTube · Search Hominin for it

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General information, not medical advice: start light, learn the movement before adding weight, and ask a qualified coach or doctor if you are injured or unsure. Exercise data from the Free Exercise DB (public domain).

Chair Squat: muscles worked and how to do it | Hominin