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Bodyweight Squat: starting position Bodyweight Squat: end position

Squat · Quads

Bodyweight Squat

A squat exercise that works the quads. Beginner level, using bodyweight.

BeginnerBodyweightHomeParkGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryQuads
SecondaryGlutes, Hamstrings

Quads and glutes.

Setup and loading

No load.

How to do the bodyweight squat step by step

  1. Feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Sit back and down as far as you can.
  3. Stand up fast.

Form cues

  • Heels down
  • Knees out

Common mistakes

  • Heels coming up
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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

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Variations and similar exercises

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