Olympic Squat

Olympic Squat — Start position
Start position
Olympic Squat — End position
End position
Region
Knee & Thigh
Equipment
Barbell
Category
Olympic Weightlifting
Level
Intermediate
Mechanic
compound
Force
push

Muscles worked

  • quadriceps
  • calves
  • glutes
  • hamstrings

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. Begin with a barbell supported on top of the traps. The chest should be up, and the head facing forward. Adopt a hip width stance with the feet turned out as needed.

  2. Descend by flexing the knees, refraining from moving the hips back as much as possible. This requires that the knees travel forward; ensure that they stay aligned with the feet. The goal is to keep the torso as upright as possible. Continue all the way down, keeping the weight on the front of the heel.

  3. At the moment the upper legs contact the lower, reverse the motion, driving the weight upward.

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