Bodyweight Squat
How to do the Bodyweight Squat
- 1
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. You can place your hands behind your head. This will be your starting position.
- 2
Begin the movement by flexing your knees and hips, sitting back with your hips.
- 3
Continue down to full depth if you are able,and quickly reverse the motion until you return to the starting position. As you squat, keep your head and chest up and push your knees out.
How to program the Bodyweight Squat
Sets and reps
As a compound movement, the Bodyweight Squat responds well to heavier loading. For strength, work in the 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps range with 2–3 minutes of rest between sets. For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 90 seconds of rest is the classic hypertrophy zone. Place it early in your session, when you're freshest, and leave 1–3 reps in reserve on most sets.
Progression
The Bodyweight Squat is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.
Secondary muscles worked
Put the Bodyweight Squat into a plan
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Bodyweight Squat work?
The Bodyweight Squat primarily targets the Quadriceps. It also recruits the Glutes, Hamstrings as supporting muscles.
What equipment do I need for the Bodyweight Squat?
You need Body Only. Difficulty level: Beginner.
How many sets and reps of the Bodyweight Squat should I do?
For strength, do 3–5 sets of 4–8 reps with 2–3 minutes rest. For muscle growth, do 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with about 90 seconds rest.
