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Barbell Full Squat

intermediatestrengthpushcompound
Body part
Upper Legs
Target
Quadriceps
Equipment
Barbell
Secondary
Abdominals, Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back

The Barbell Full Squat is a foundational compound strength exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. By squatting through a full range of motion, it maximizes muscle recruitment, promotes lower-body hypertrophy, and improves joint mobility.

Instructions

  1. 1Set the barbell in a squat rack just below shoulder level, step under the bar, and place it across your upper back and shoulders.
  2. 2Grip the bar firmly with both hands, lift it off the rack by extending your legs and torso, and step back to establish a shoulder-width stance with your toes pointed slightly outward.
  3. 3Keep your chest up and back straight, then slowly lower your hips back and down as if sitting in a chair, continuing until your hamstrings touch your calves while inhaling.
  4. 4Drive upward through your heels and mid-foot, extending your knees and hips to return to the starting position while exhaling.
  5. 5Repeat the movement for the prescribed number of repetitions before carefully re-racking the barbell.