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Exercise guide

Barbell Side Split Squat

How to do the Barbell Side Split Squat with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundBarbellBeginnerPush
Primary muscles

Quads

Secondary

Calves, Hamstrings, Lower Back

Equipment

Barbell

Step by step

How to do the Barbell Side Split Squat

  1. 1

    Stand up straight while holding a barbell placed on the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck). Your feet should be placed wide apart with the foot of the lead leg angled out to the side. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Lower your body towards the side of your angled foot by bending the knee and hip of your lead leg and while keeping the opposite leg only slightly bent. Breathe in as you lower your body.

  3. 3

    Return to the starting position by extending the hip and knee of the lead leg. Breathe out as you perform this movement.

  4. 4

    After performing the recommended amount of reps, repeat the movement with the opposite leg.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Barbell Side Split Squat set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap — so your quads volume is visible at a glance — and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More quads exercises

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