GMLYFT
One Leg Barbell Squat exercise guide

Exercise guide

One Leg Barbell Squat

The supplied One Leg Barbell Squat is a rear-foot-elevated split squat performed with a bar across the upper back. The quadriceps and glutes provide most of the effort, while the hamstrings and calves assist.

Training context

Why This Split-Squat Variation Is Useful

Elevating the rear foot increases the demand on the front leg and challenges balance. The exercise can train each side independently without requiring a true single-leg squat.

The source instructs cleaning and pressing the bar onto the back, which is unnecessarily risky. Set the bar in a squat rack and unrack it directly from the shoulders.

Technique overview

Set the stance before unracking the bar

Use a rack and place the rear foot on a stable bench after establishing the front-foot position. Lower by bending the front knee and hip while the torso remains controlled. Drive through the front foot to stand, complete both sides, and rerack the bar safely.

Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.

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Train with a plan

Start practicing the One Leg Barbell Squat in GMLYFT

Add the One Leg Barbell Squat to a routine, record your training, and keep your progress in one place.