Exercise guide
Barbell Back Squat.
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Movement
- Compound
- Level
- Intermediate
Muscles at work
Make every rep count.
- 01
Set the bar in the rack just below shoulder height and load your working weight.
- 02
Step under the bar with feet about shoulder-width apart. Place the bar on the “shelf” of your upper back/traps, not on your neck.
- 03
Grip the bar a bit wider than shoulder width for control. Pull your elbows slightly down and back to create upper-back tightness.
- 04
Brace your core, keep a neutral spine, and set your gaze forward.
- 05
Dip slightly by bending the knees, then drive through your legs to stand tall and unrack the bar.
- 06
Take 1–2 small steps back and set your stance.
- 07
Start the squat by sitting your hips back and down while your knees track in line with your toes. Keep your chest up—avoid tipping forward.
- 08
Lower until your thighs are about parallel to the floor (or as deep as you can with good form).
- 09
Press up by driving through your heels/midfoot, keeping your torso tight and back neutral.
- 10
Stand tall without locking out your knees, reset your breath/bracing, and repeat.





