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Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat

Strengthen legs & glutes with this challenging split-squat variation! Elevate your fitness, one rep at a time.

The Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and core. You'll need: barbell or weight plates.

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Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Hamstrings; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

How to do the Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat

  1. Setup:

    • Begin by placing the barbell on your upper back, resting it on your shoulders, similar to a squat position. Make sure it's secure and not too heavy for you to manage comfortably.

    • Stand in front of the elevated surface with your feet hip-width apart.

  2. Positioning:

    • Place your front foot (the foot that will remain on the elevated surface) onto the platform or step.

    • Your back foot will remain grounded behind you, spaced about two feet back.

  3. Body Alignment:

    • Keep your chest lifted and your back straight.

    • Engage your core muscles to maintain stability throughout the movement.

  4. The Movement:

    • Slowly lower your body by bending your front knee while keeping your back leg straight.

    • Your front knee should track over your toes, avoiding excessive forward movement.

    • Go down until your front thigh is parallel to the ground or you feel a stretch in your hip.

    • Ensure your back knee approaches the ground but does not touch it.

  5. Return to Starting Position:

    • Press through your front heel to return to the starting position, straightening your front leg.

    • Straighten your back leg simultaneously.

  6. Repetitions:

    • Perform 8-12 repetitions on one leg, then switch to the other leg.

    • Aim for 3 sets on each leg.

  7. Tips:

    • Start with lighter weights to get comfortable with the movement pattern.

    • Maintain a steady, controlled pace throughout the exercise.

    • Avoid leaning forward excessively; keep your torso upright.

  8. Cool Down:

    • After completing your sets, stretch your muscles, especially in your quads and hamstrings, to improve flexibility and recovery.

Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat work?

The Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the hamstrings and core. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat?

Barbell or weight plates.

Is the Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-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 Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat go on?

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

What are some Barbell Elevated Front-Foot Split-Squat variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Elevated-Heel Squat, Barbell Clean-Grip Elevated-Heel Squat, Barbell Front Rack Split-Squat and Barbell Low Split-Squat.

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