Squat to Jumping-Jack
Squat low, jump high! This exercise combines squats & jumping jacks for a full-body cardio burst. Get ready to feel the burn!
The Squat to Jumping-Jack is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the back and core. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Squat to Jumping-Jack Muscles Worked
Primary
Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Squat to Jumping-Jack Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Squat to Jumping-Jack
Squat-to-Jumping Jack (Plyometrics) Instructions
Starting Position:
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your arms at your sides or place them in front of your chest in a prayer position.
Squat:
Lower your body into a squat by bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if sitting in a chair.
Ensure your knees do not extend beyond your toes.
Keep your chest lifted and your back straight.
Movement:
Hold the squat position briefly (1-2 seconds).
From the squat position, explosively jump up while thrusting your arms overhead.
As you jump, straighten your legs and bring your feet together in mid-air.
Landing:
Land softly on the balls of your feet, allowing your knees to bend slightly to absorb the impact.
Immediately go back into the squat position.
Jumping Jack Transition:
From the squat position, jump out to the sides, spreading your legs and arms to perform a jumping jack.
Bring your arms down and legs together as you land, returning to the squat position.
Repetition:
Repeat the squat-to-jumping jack movement for a set number of repetitions or a timed interval.
Tips:
Maintain a steady breathing pattern throughout the exercise.
Focus on form; keep your movements controlled and balanced.
If you are a beginner, you may start with bodyweight squats and jumping jacks separately before combining them.
Squat to Jumping-Jack FAQs
What muscles does the Squat to Jumping-Jack work?
The Squat to Jumping-Jack mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the back and core. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Squat to Jumping-Jack?
None. The Squat to Jumping-Jack is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Squat to Jumping-Jack 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 Squat to Jumping-Jack go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Squat to Jumping-Jack variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Reach Squat, Side Burpee Tap Step Jack, Burpee Tuck Jump and Burpee Two Star Jump.
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