Different Types of Squats

Split Squats

There’s no better exercise to develop strong quadriceps (thighs) and groin muscles than the split squat. This type of squat can be completed with either a barbell or dumbbells and your back leg elevated on a bench.

With your back leg elevated on the bench, slowly lower into the squat position and then rise back up. If you’re looking to build your glutes (buttocks) then you’ll definitely want to add in a set of split squats during your next leg workout.

Zercher Squats

Some people can’t hold a barbell on their upper back when squatting due to shoulder or low back issues. To work around this, the Zercher squat was created.

This is where you hold the barbell in the crease of your elbows, taking the load off your shoulders and lower back.

Box Squats

This style of squat can be implemented when you’re trying to progress your squat depth. Oftentimes, gym-goers won’t lower down close enough to the floor to get the full impact of the squat.

By placing a box or a bench behind you, you will have a target to sit on. This allows you to get deeper into the movement and it also provides the security of something to sit down on just in case.

Front Squats

Front squats can be completed with either a barbell, dumbbells, or kettlebells. For this exercise, you’ll hold the weight of your choice close to your chest, just below your chin. By doing this, you bring your center of gravity forward, placing more emphasis on your quadriceps muscles when completing the squat.

Goblet Squats

This fancy name refers to the position of your arms and hands when holding the weight. Grab either a dumbbell or kettlebell using both hands and hold it high up on your chest.

Next, slowly lower into the squat and rise back up squeezing your thighs and glutes.

Squat Pulses

Adding tempo squats into your routine can really help you tone your thighs and glutes. You can complete tempo squats with whatever weight you’d like.

Try to squat down with the weight as low as possible while maintaining good form. When you get down as far as you can go, complete ten mini pulses at the bottom of the squat and then return to standing upright.

Sissy Squats

Popularized by Arnold Schwarzeneggar decades ago, this squat variation is best known for helping bodybuilders build up their quadriceps, core, and hip flexor strength simultaneously.

Sissy squats are performed without any weight, meaning you’re only using your body weight. Come onto your toes while extending your upper torso backward, maintaining your balance.

Isometric Squats

A great way to build strength into your lower legs is by completing isometric squats. This exercise will take absolutely everything out of your legs, so it’s best to include these towards the end of your workout.

Pick an appropriate weight, lower into a squat, and hold this position for 3 to 5-seconds. Then rise back up to the standing position.

Squat Jumps

What better way to build muscle and burn fat than by completing jump squats? This movement requires you to squat down and then jump off the ground on the way back up.

Jump squats are fantastic for building explosive power in your legs and are often used in sports training.

Getting Started

I always recommend that you get a personal trainer to demonstrate these exercises to you, especially if it’s your first time trying squats. After all, you don’t want to be that person that struggles to climb the stairs after leg day, am I right?

Seek out help from a professional to make sure you’re completing squats correctly. This will help you avoid injury and also helps ensure you’re getting all the benefits out of these exercises.