LiftSets

LiftSets / Exercises / Dumbbell Squat to a Bench

Dumbbell Squat to a Bench

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

Dumbbell Squat to a Bench, start position, with the working muscles highlighted
Start
Dumbbell Squat to a Bench, 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.

KitDumbbell
LevelIntermediate

What to think about

How to do it

  1. Stand up straight with a flat bench behind you while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
  2. Position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section.
  3. Begin to slowly lower your torso by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until you slightly touch the bench behind you. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
  4. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Other exercises for the quadriceps

Track it in LiftSets

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

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