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Split Squats
A stationary bodyweight single-leg squat pattern that builds quad and glute strength per leg and is the base progression for all loaded split squats.
LegsBodyweightSplit squat
GoLightWeight mediasplit-squats
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
QuadricepsGlutes
Secondary
HamstringsAdductorsCalvesCore
Equipment
Bodyweight
Pattern
Split squat
Setup
- 01Take a long stride position with one foot forward and one back.
- 02Keep the feet roughly hip width apart for balance, not on a tightrope.
- 03Rise onto the ball of the rear foot with the heel up.
- 04Stack the torso tall over the hips with hands on hips or out for balance.
Execution
- 01Lower straight down by bending both knees.
- 02Descend until the rear knee hovers just above the floor.
- 03Keep most of the weight through the front foot.
- 04Drive through the front heel back to the start and finish all reps before switching legs.
Checkpoints
- -Front knee tracks over the toes without collapsing inward.
- -The hips drop straight down, not forward.
- -The front heel stays planted throughout.
- -Torso stays upright with a braced trunk.
Common mistakes
- -Taking a stance so short the front knee slams far past the toes.
- -Pushing off the rear leg instead of driving through the front leg.
- -Letting the torso pitch forward at the bottom.
- -Tapping the knee to the floor and losing tension.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 4 sets of 8 to 15 reps per leg as a bodyweight staple.
- -Progress to dumbbell or Bulgarian variations once 15 clean reps are easy.
- -A 2 second lowering phase makes bodyweight loading meaningfully harder.
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