Barbell Split Squat
The Barbell Split Squat primarily works the Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Femoris, with secondary activation of the Adductor Magnus, Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Femoris, Soleus and stabilizer support from the Biceps Femoris (Long Head), Erector Spinae, Gastrocnemius (Medial), Gluteus Medius, Gluteus Minimus. It is a barbell compound exercise at intermediate difficulty.
A barbell compound push exercise targeting the Gluteus Maximus and Rectus Femoris.
| Equipment | Barbell |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Type | Compound |
| Movement | Squat |
| Force | Push |
| Laterality | Unilateral |
| Primary | Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Femoris |
| Secondary | Adductor Magnus, Gluteus Maximus, Rectus Femoris, Soleus |
Muscles Worked
Front
Back
Primary
Secondary
Stabilizer
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
- Primary Muscle Rectus Femoris (quadriceps)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Adductor Magnus (adductors)
- Secondary Muscle Gluteus Maximus (glutes)
- Secondary Muscle Rectus Femoris (quadriceps)
- Secondary Muscle Soleus (calves)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Biceps Femoris (Long Head) (hamstrings)
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gastrocnemius (Medial) (calves)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Medius (glutes)
- Stabilizer Muscle Gluteus Minimus (glutes)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position barbell on back of shoulders and grasp barbell to sides. Stand with feet far apart; one foot forward and other foot behind. Execution: Squat down by flexing knee and hip of front leg. Allow heel of rear foot to rise up while knee of rear leg bends slightly until it almost makes contact with floor. Return to original standing position by extending hip and knee of forward leg. Repeat. Continue with opposite leg. Comments: Knees should point same direction as feet throughout movement. Heel of rear foot can be kept elevated off floor throughout movement. Keep torso upright during squat;flexible hip flexorsare important. With feet further apart: Gluteus Maximus is emphasized, Quadriceps are less emphasized.
Alternative Exercises
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