Split squat

Muscles worked: Quads
Quads
🔧 no equipment ↕ Squat 🔁 reps Difficulty:

Muscle outlines from Body Muscles by Ivan Vulović, Apache 2.0 — regrouped and recoloured for Muscle Train.

How to perform

Start with feet hip-width apart, stepping one foot forward approximately two feet. Keep feet flat, toes forward. Shift 80% of your weight to the front foot; the back foot is for balance. Lower straight down, bending both knees, with the front knee tracking over your toes and the back knee hovering above the ground. Maintain a slight (25-30 degree) forward torso lean. Drive through the front heel to return to standing, engaging front-leg glutes and quads. Inhale on descent, exhale on ascent. Beginners: 8-10 reps per leg, 2-3 sets.

Muscles Worked

Quadricepsgluteus maximus
Secondary: Hamstrings, adductors, calves, core stabilizers

Tips

Prioritize front leg engagement (80% weight). Avoid pushing off the back foot. Feet should be hip-width apart, not in line. Lower hips straight down, knee tracking over toes. Maintain a slight forward lean (25-30 degrees). Pause briefly at the bottom of each rep to maximize muscle engagement. Ensure the back knee lowers straight down, avoiding inward collapse.

Similar exercises

Dumbbell split squat Quads · 🔧 Dumbbells 4/10 Barbell split squat Quads · 🔧 Barbell 5/10 Kettlebell split squat Glutes · 🔧 Kettlebell 4/10 TRX split squat Glutes, Hamstrings · 🔧 TRX 3/10 Split squat jump Glutes, Hamstrings · 🔧 no equipment 4/10 Resistance band split squat Glutes, Hamstrings · 🔧 Resistance band 2/10 Front foot elevated split squat Quads, Glutes · 🔧 no equipment 3/10 Balance trainer split squat Glutes, Hamstrings · 🔧 Balance Trainer 3/10
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