Appears in642 Workouts*

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.

Ms. Grey
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Side-Bend Plyo Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Obliques

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Abdominals (rectus abdominis)

How to do the Side-Bend Plyo Squat

  1. 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.

  2. Preparing to Squat:

    • Engage your core muscles and keep your chest lifted.

    • Shift your weight slightly to your heels.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Breathing:

    • Inhale as you squat down and exhale as you push back up to standing.

  8. 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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