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Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat

Master the clean-grip elevated-heel squat! Build strength & improve form. Perfect for all levels, start your transformation today!

The Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and lower back. You'll need: barbell or weight plates.

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Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Hamstrings; Spinal Erectors (erector spinae)

How to do the Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat

Positioning:

  1. Start Position: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. If using a barbell, rest it on your shoulders, behind your neck, using a clean grip (hands slightly wider than shoulders).

  2. Elevate Heels: To emphasize the squat and maintain balance, you can stand on a plate or elevated surface with your heels slightly raised.

Movement:

  1. Squatting Down:

    • Engage your core and keep your chest up.

    • Bend your knees and hips simultaneously to lower your body into a squat.

    • Ensure your knees track over your toes, avoiding any inward collapse.

    • Aim for your thighs to be parallel to the ground, or lower if possible.

  2. Holding the Position:

    • Once in the squat position, pause briefly. Make sure your back remains straight and your weight is centered on your heels.

  3. Rising Up:

    • Press through your heels and engage your glutes to lift your body back to the starting position.

    • Keep your chest up and core engaged as you return to standing.

Tips for Beginners:

  • Start with a lighter weight or no weight to master the form before adding resistance.

  • Focus on your breathing; inhale while squatting down and exhale when pushing up.

  • If you're unsure about your squat form, consider using a mirror or filming yourself to check your alignment.

Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat work?

The Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and lower back. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat?

Barbell or weight plates.

Is the Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Jefferson Squat, Barbell Zercher Hold Squat, Barbell Clean Deadlift and Barbell Clean-Grip Front Squat.

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