Side-Bend Plyo Squat
Squat, bend, and repeat! This dynamic exercise targets your core, legs, and obliques for a full-body burn.
The Side-Bend Plyo Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and core, with help from the glutes & hips. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Side-Bend Plyo Squat Muscles Worked
Primary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Obliques
Secondary
Glutes (gluteus maximus); Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Side-Bend Plyo Squat Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Side-Bend Plyo Squat
Starting Position:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lift your hands and place them behind your head, keeping your elbows pointed out to the sides.
Preparing to Squat:
Engage your core muscles and keep your chest lifted.
Shift your weight slightly to your heels.
Squatting Down:
Begin to squat down by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, as if sitting in a chair.
Keep your back straight and your knees aligned with your toes.
Adding the Side Bend:
As you reach the bottom of the squat, bend to one side at the waist (for example, to the right).
Make sure your elbows stay back and your chest remains lifted.
Returning to Starting Position:
Push through your heels to return to the starting position while simultaneously bringing your torso back to the center.
Stand tall and reset your position with hands behind the head.
Repeating on the Other Side:
Perform another squat and this time bend to the opposite side (to the left).
Continue alternating sides with each squat.
Breathing:
Inhale as you squat down and exhale as you push back up to standing.
Repetitions:
Aim for 8-12 repetitions on each side, depending on your fitness level.
Tips for Beginners:
Focus on maintaining good form throughout the exercise.
If you feel any discomfort in your knees or back, lessen the depth of your squat or skip the side bend.
Side-Bend Plyo Squat FAQs
What muscles does the Side-Bend Plyo Squat work?
The Side-Bend Plyo Squat mainly works the quads and core, with help from the glutes & hips. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and obliques.
What equipment do you need for the Side-Bend Plyo Squat?
None. The Side-Bend Plyo Squat is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Side-Bend Plyo 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 Side-Bend Plyo Squat go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Side-Bend Plyo Squat variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Side-Step Bend, Alternating Side-Bend Side-Step Jump, Alternating Reach Squat and Side-Bend Half-Squat.
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