Appears in642 Workouts*

Bar Safety Squat

Build serious leg strength with the Bar Safety Front Squat. A safe, effective way to target your quads and core!

The Bar Safety Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the lower back and core. You'll need: safety squat bar and weight plates.

Mr. Grey
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@JustGains_XY

Required Equipment

Safety Squat Bar
Safety Squat Bar
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Bar Safety Squat Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Spinal Erectors (erector spinae); Obliques

How to do the Bar Safety Squat

  1. Starting Position:

    • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

    • Place the safety bar on your upper back, resting it on your shoulders, ensuring the bar is secure and comfortable. Your hands should grip the handles of the bar, with your elbows pointed forward and slightly up.

  2. Body Positioning:

    • Keep your chest up and maintain a straight back to avoid rounding your spine.

    • Engage your core muscles to stabilize your torso.

    • Look straight ahead, not down, to help maintain good posture.

  3. Squatting Movement:

    • Begin the squat by pushing your hips back as if sitting into a chair.

    • Bend your knees and lower your body down until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, or lower if flexibility allows.

    • Keep your weight evenly distributed on your feet, primarily through the heels.

  4. Returning to Start:

    • Push through your heels and return to the standing position, fully extending your hips and knees.

    • Maintain control of the movement and avoid locking your knees at the top.

  5. Repetitions:

    • Perform 8-12 repetitions per set, resting for 30-60 seconds between sets.

Tips:

  • Start with lighter weights to master the form before increasing the load.

  • Keep your knees in line with your toes throughout the movement to prevent injury.

  • Exhale as you push up and inhale as you lower down.

Bar Safety Squat FAQs

What muscles does the Bar Safety Squat work?

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

What equipment do you need for the Bar Safety Squat?

Safety squat bar and weight plates.

Is the Bar Safety 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 Bar Safety Squat go on?

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

What are some Bar Safety Squat variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Bench Squat, Barbell Clean-Grip Front Squat, Barbell Bench Front Squat and Barbell Front Rack Split-Squat.

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