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Barbell Low-Bar Squat

Master the barbell low-bar squat! Build strength and power with proper form.

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

Barbell Low-Bar Squat demo video 2
Barbell Low-Bar Squat demo video 3
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Barbell Low-Bar Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Spinal Erectors (erector spinae); Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

How to do the Barbell Low-Bar Squat

  1. Start by positioning the barbell in the squat rack at about mid-chest level. Load the desired weight onto the barbell.

  2. Position yourself under the bar so that it rests on the posterior deltoids, a bit lower on the back compared to a high bar squat. The bar should be just below the upper trapezius muscles.

  3. Grip the barbell with both hands. Your grip width will depend on flexibility, but ensure it's even on both sides.

  4. Raise your chest and tighten your upper back to create a 'shelf' of muscle for the bar to lay on.

  5. Carefully unlatch the bar from the rack by straightening your legs while maintaining a tight core and upper back.

  6. Step back from the rack and set your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart with toes slightly pointed outwards.

  7. Take a deep breath and brace your core, keeping your spine neutral.

  8. Bend your knees and hips to lower your body down, as if sitting back into a chair. Keep your knees in line with your toes, and do not let them cave inward.

  9. Lower down until your hip joint is just below the top of your knees (below parallel).

  10. Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes to return to the starting position, exhaling as you ascend.

  11. Repeat the squat for the desired number of reps, maintaining form throughout the set.

Safety Tips: Always warm up properly with lighter weights or bodyweight exercises before attempting heavy squats. Preferably use a squat rack with safety bars set at the proper height to catch the bar if you fail a lift. Consider using a spotter, especially when lifting heavy weights. Keep your movements controlled and avoid bouncing out of the bottom position of the squat.

Barbell Low-Bar Squat FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Low-Bar Squat work?

The Barbell Low-Bar Squat mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the core and lower back. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Low-Bar Squat?

Barbell or weight plates.

Is the Barbell Low-Bar 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 Low-Bar Squat go on?

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

What are some Barbell Low-Bar Squat variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Jefferson Squat, Barbell Bench Weighted Chain Squat, Barbell Bench Squat and Box Barbell Squat.

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