Squat
The foundational lower-body move that builds strength for everyday sitting, standing and lifting.
BeginnerNo equipmentLow impactSuggested: 15 reps
How to do it
- Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your toes turned out slightly.
- Push your hips back and bend your knees, reaching your arms forward for balance.
- Lower until your thighs are about parallel to the floor, or as deep as you can with your heels down.
- Press through your whole foot to stand tall and squeeze your glutes at the top.
Form tips
- Keep your chest lifted and your back flat.
- Let your knees track in line with your toes instead of caving inward.
- Breathe in on the way down and out as you stand.
Muscles worked
QuadsGlutesHamstringsInner thighs
Squat variations
- BodyweightBeginner · No equipment
- SumoBeginner · No equipment
- BeginnerBeginner · Chair
- Dumbbell gobletBeginner · Dumbbells
- DumbbellsBeginner · Dumbbells
- Kettlebell gobletBeginner · Kettlebell
- Kettlebell sumoBeginner · Kettlebell
- Wall holdBeginner · Wall
- CossackIntermediate · No equipment
- JumpIntermediate · No equipment
- PulseIntermediate · No equipment
- BarbellIntermediate · Barbell
- ThrusterIntermediate · Dumbbells
- Front squatAdvanced · Barbell