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Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat

A rear-foot-elevated split squat loaded by a band held in one hand, combining single leg strength with an anti-rotation core demand.

LegsBandSplit squat
GoLightWeight mediaband-one-arm-single-leg-split-squat

Demonstration coming soon

Primary

QuadricepsGlutes

Secondary

HamstringsAdductorsCoreGlute medius

Equipment

Band

Pattern

Split squat

Setup

  1. 01Anchor one end of a band under the front foot and grip the other end in the opposite-side hand.
  2. 02Place the rear foot on a bench or box behind you.
  3. 03Set the front foot far enough forward that the knee tracks over the toes at the bottom.
  4. 04Stand tall with the band handle held at the side under tension.

Execution

  1. 01Lower straight down by bending the front knee, keeping the torso tall.
  2. 02Descend until the rear knee approaches the floor.
  3. 03Resist the band's one-sided pull so the shoulders and hips stay square.
  4. 04Drive through the front foot to stand, keeping band tension smooth.

Checkpoints

  • -The front knee tracks over the toes without caving inward.
  • -Hips and shoulders stay square despite the one-arm load.
  • -Most of the work stays on the front leg, not pushed off the rear foot.

Common mistakes

  • -Twisting toward the loaded hand as fatigue sets in.
  • -Standing too close so the front heel lifts at the bottom.
  • -Bouncing the rear knee off the floor.
  • -Letting the band go slack at the top of each rep.

Programming notes

  • -Use 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps per side; hold the band in the hand opposite the front leg.
  • -A good single leg option when dumbbells are unavailable or grip needs sparing.
  • -Progress by shortening the band or standing on more of it before adding reps.

Related exercises

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