← Browse all exercises

split squats

split squats exercise guide with muscles, equipment, animation and step-by-step instructions. Target: quads. Equipment: body weight.

split squats exercise demonstration
Target muscle
quads
Muscle group
glutes
Body part
upper legs
Equipment
body weight

Secondary muscles

glutes, hamstrings, calves

How to perform

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Take a step forward with one foot and place it about two feet in front of the other foot.
  3. Lower your body by bending your knees and hips, keeping your back straight.
  4. Continue lowering until your front thigh is parallel to the ground, and your back knee is hovering just above the ground.
  5. Pause for a moment, then push through your front heel to return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch legs and repeat.