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LiftSets / Exercises / Barbell Full Squat

Barbell Full Squat

Works the quadriceps. Helped by the calves, glutes, hamstrings and lower back.

Barbell Full Squat, start position, with the working muscles highlighted
Start
Barbell Full Squat, finish position, with the working muscles highlighted
Finish

Bright blue is the target muscle. Darker blue is helping. The app shows this as a moving demo.

Muscles worked

quadricepscalvesgluteshamstringslower back

How many reps

GoalReps per set
Strength3-6
Muscle size6-10
Endurance12-20+

Whatever the number, the set should end within a rep or two of the point where you could not do another with good form.

KitBarbell
LevelIntermediate

What to think about

How to do it

  1. This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just above shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
  2. Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
  3. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.
  4. Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and sitting back with your hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your hamstrings are on your calves. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  5. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel or middle of your foot as you straighten the legs and extend the hips to go back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Other exercises for the quadriceps

Track it in LiftSets

Log Barbell Full Squat with last time's numbers in front of you, a rest timer on your lock screen and a graph of your progress.

Coming soon to the App Store