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Exercise library

Barbell Back Squat

Quads · Squat

Generic squat demo. Follow the steps below for this exact exercise.

SquatCompound

The main barbell leg lift, with the bar across your upper back.

Difficulty
Moderate
Tracking
Measured in reps

Muscles worked

QuadsGlutesCoreHamstrings

Equipment

Barbell

How to do it

  1. Set the bar across your upper back, grip it firmly and step out with your feet slightly wider than your hips.
  2. Take a big breath, brace your core and keep your chest up.
  3. Push your hips back and bend your knees to squat until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor.
  4. Drive through your whole foot to stand up, keeping the bar over the middle of your feet.

Coaching cues

  • Squat inside a rack with the safety bars set just below your bottom position.
  • Keep your knees tracking over your toes and your heels flat throughout.