Atlas
Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat: starting position Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat: end position

Squat · Quads

Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat

A squat exercise that works the quads. Advanced level, using barbell & rack.

AdvancedBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryQuads
SecondaryCalves (gastrocnemius & soleus), Glutes, Hamstrings

Quads and glutes.

Setup and loading

Bench 60-90 cm behind you.

How to do the barbell bulgarian split squat step by step

  1. Bar across your shoulders and your back foot on a bench.
  2. Lower until your front thigh is parallel.
  3. Drive up through your front foot.

Form cues

  • Torso upright
  • Knee over your foot

Common mistakes

  • Pushing with your back foot
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3-4 x 8-12 · rest 60-90 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Olympic barbell and platesTo keep progressing on the big lifts with heavy loads.

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Variations and similar exercises

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