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Resistance-Band Squat

Strengthen legs & glutes with resistance! This squat variation boosts your workout, adds intensity, and improves form. Feel the burn!

The Resistance-Band Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the core, hamstrings and hip abductors (outer thighs). You'll need: resistance bands.

Resistance-Band Squat demo video 2
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Required Equipment

Resistance Bands
Resistance Bands

Resistance-Band Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Hamstrings; Hip Abductor (gluteus medius); Deep Core (transverse abdominis); Obliques

How to do the Resistance-Band Squat

  1. Setup:

    • Place the resistance band around your thighs, just above your knees. Ensure it is secure but not too tight to restrict movement.

  2. Starting Position:

    • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes facing slightly outward.

    • Keep your back straight and engage your core muscles.

    • Hold your hands together in front of your chest or rest them on your hips.

  3. Performing the Squat:

    • Inhale as you begin to lower your body into a squat.

    • Bend your knees and push your hips back as if you are sitting into a chair.

    • Keep your chest up and your weight distributed evenly across your feet, making sure your knees do not extend past your toes.

  4. Depth of the Squat:

    • Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as far as comfortable for you while maintaining good form.

    • Keep tension in the resistance band by pushing your knees outward slightly against it.

  5. Returning to Start:

    • Exhale as you push through your heels to rise back up to the starting position.

    • Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement and fully extend your hips.

  6. Repetitions:

    • Aim for 10 to 15 repetitions, ensuring to maintain proper form throughout each squat.

    • Rest as needed between sets, and repeat for 2-3 sets.

Tips:

  • Focus on your breathing and the movement.

  • If you're new to this exercise, practice without the band first to master the squat form before adding resistance.

  • Ensure you maintain good posture throughout the exercise to prevent injury.

Resistance-Band Squat FAQs

What muscles does the Resistance-Band Squat work?

The Resistance-Band Squat mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the core, hamstrings and hip abductors (outer thighs). The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Resistance-Band Squat?

Resistance bands.

Is the Resistance-Band 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 Resistance-Band Squat go on?

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

What are some Resistance-Band Squat variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Band Single-Leg Split-Squat, Low-Box Band Single-Leg Split-Squat, Loop-Band Split-Squat and Band Squat.

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