Barbell Squat
Step by step
How to perform
- Stand up to lift the barbell off the rack, take a step or two back and position your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly pointed outwards.
- Begin the squat by bending your knees and hips, lowering your body as if you're sitting back into a chair, until your thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping your back straight and chest up.
- Push through your heels to stand back up to the starting position, making sure to keep your back straight and head up.
- Repeat this process for the desired number of repetitions, then return the barbell safely to the rack.
Overview
About this exercise
The Barbell Squat is a strength training exercise that targets multiple muscle groups, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes, making it a highly effective full-body workout. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced fitness enthusiasts as it can be easily modified to match individual fitness levels. People would want to perform this exercise to improve their lower body strength, enhance their athletic performance, and promote muscle growth and fat loss.
Coaching cues
Form tips
Prior to any strength training, including barbell squats, it's important to warm up your muscles with some light cardio and stretching. This prepares your body for the workout, increasing blood flow to the muscles and reducing the risk of injury.
It's a common mistake to load up too much weight too quickly. Start with a weight you can comfortably lift for 10-12 reps. As your strength and endurance improve, you can gradually increase the weight.
Keep exploring
Similar exercises.
Same primary muscle, with matching equipment first.