How to perform Barbell Split Squat with proper form
Setup
- Equipment: Use a barbell and a weight bench or step.
- Starting Position: Stand upright with the barbell across your upper back, hands gripping the bar.
Steps
- Foot Placement: Step back with one foot, placing it on the bench or step behind you. Ensure your front foot is flat on the ground.
- Stance: Keep your front leg straight and your back leg bent. Your feet should be about hip-width apart to maintain balance.
- Lowering Phase:
- Inhale as you lower your body.
- Bend your front knee and lower down until your thigh is parallel to the ground.
- Your back knee should move down toward the floor.
- Keep your torso upright and engage your core.
- Bottom Position: Ensure your front knee stays aligned with your toes and does not go past them.
- Rising Phase:
- Exhale and push through your front heel to rise back to the starting position.
- Straighten your front leg and return to the starting stance.
Tips
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Focus on a controlled tempo, especially while lowering.
- Keep your gaze forward to help with balance.
Common Mistakes
- Leaning too far forward or arching the back excessively.
- Letting the front knee collapse inward.
- Not using a full range of motion.
Ensure you practice the movement with lighter weights initially to master the form before increasing the load.
Exercises
Box Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Box Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Bulgarian Split Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Calf Press on Seated Leg Press, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Calves, Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings
Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms
Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back
Front Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Front Squat, Cable
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Front Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Front Squat, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Front Squat, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Goblet Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Goblet Squat, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Hack Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Hack Squat, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Jump Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Jump Squat, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves
Leg Extension, Band
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes
Leg Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes