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One Leg Barbell Squat

One Leg Barbell Squat is a expert strength exercise using barbell. It works the quadriceps, with help from the calves, glutes and hamstrings.

expertbarbellpush movementcompoundstrength

Main muscles
quadriceps
Also works
calves, glutes, hamstrings

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.

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).

One Leg Barbell Squat: muscles worked and how to do it | Hominin