Quadriceps · Barbell

Overhead Squat

A compound movement that trains your quadriceps, done with a barbell. Your abs, calves and glutes help out.

Overhead Squat, starting positionOverhead Squat, end position

Muscles you'll work

Overhead Squat muscles worked, front viewOverhead Squat muscles worked, back view
QuadricepsPrimaryAbs · Calves · Glutes · Hamstrings · Lower Back · Shoulders · TricepsSecondary

How to do it

  1. Start out by having a barbell in front of you on the floor. Your feet should be wider than shoulder width apart from each other.
  2. Bend the knees and use a pronated grip (palms facing you) to grab the barbell. Your hands should be at a wider than shoulder width apart from each other before lifting. Once you are positioned, lift the barbell up until you can rest it on your chest.
  3. Move the barbell over and slightly behind your head and make sure your arms are fully extended. Keep your head up at all times and also maintain a straight back. Retract your shoulder blades. This is your starting position.
  4. Slowly lower the weight by bending your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground while inhaling. Tip: Keep your back straight while performing this exercise to avoid any injuries and your arms should remain extended and over your head at all times.
  5. Now use your feet and legs to help bring the weight back up to the starting position while exhaling.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

More quadriceps exercises

Barbell Full SquatBarbell Hack SquatBarbell LungeBarbell Squat
EquipmentBarbell
TypeCompound
Push or pullPush
LevelExpert

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