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Barbell Side Split Squat V. 2
A deeper cossack-style side split squat with the bar on the back, sitting fully over one heel to maximize adductor range and single-leg strength.
LegsBarbellLateral squat
GoLightWeight mediabarbell-side-split-squat-v-2
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
QuadricepsGlutes
Secondary
AdductorsHamstringsCore
Equipment
Barbell
Pattern
Lateral squat
Setup
- 01Set a light bar on the upper traps and grip it firmly.
- 02Take a very wide stance with both feet slightly turned out.
- 03Brace the trunk and keep the chest tall.
- 04Confirm you own the full depth bodyweight-only before loading.
Execution
- 01Shift sideways and sit deep over one leg, bending the knee fully.
- 02Let the trailing leg straighten completely, toes up or foot flat depending on mobility.
- 03Descend until the hamstring rests near the calf of the working leg.
- 04Drive up through the working heel and return to the centered stance, then alternate.
Checkpoints
- -Working heel stays down at full depth.
- -Torso stays as upright as mobility allows.
- -Trailing leg is fully straight at the bottom.
- -Each rep reaches the same full depth.
Common mistakes
- -Letting the working heel lift off the floor at the bottom.
- -Rounding the back to get depth the hips do not yet have.
- -Using loads too heavy to control the deep position.
- -Dropping quickly into the bottom instead of lowering under control.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 5 to 8 reps per side with an empty bar or light plates.
- -Progress from the shallower side split squat once parallel depth feels easy.
- -Slow eccentrics of 3 seconds build control in the deep range.
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