One Leg Barbell Squat

One Leg Barbell Squat demonstration

How to Perform

1. 1Start by standing about 2 to 3 feet in front of a flat bench with your back facing the bench. Have a barbell in front of you on the floor. Tip: Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other.
2. 2Bend the knees and use a pronated grip with your hands being wider than shoulder width apart from each other to lift the barbell up until you can rest it on your chest.
3. 3Then lift the barbell over your head and rest it on the base of your neck. Move one foot back so that your toe is resting on the flat bench. Your other foot should be stationary in front of you. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. Tip: Make sure your back is straight and chest is out while performing this exercise.
4. 4As you inhale, slowly lower your leg until your thigh is parallel to the floor. At this point, your knee should be over your toes. Your chest should be directly above the middle of your thigh.
5. 5Leading with the chest and hips and contracting the quadriceps, elevate your leg back to the starting position as you exhale.
6. 6Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
7. 7Switch legs and repeat the movement.

Tips & Common Mistakes

• •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
• •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
• •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
• •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently