Breathing
Inhale before or during the controlled descent, then exhale as you stand. Maintain trunk support without holding your breath for the whole repetition.
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The One Leg Barbell Squat primarily works the quadriceps, with the calves, glutes and hamstrings supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with barbell.

1 / 2How to
Movement instructions
Start 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.
Bend 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.
Then 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.
As 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.
Leading with the chest and hips and contracting the quadriceps, elevate your leg back to the starting position as you exhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Switch legs and repeat the movement.
Technique guidance
Inhale before or during the controlled descent, then exhale as you stand. Maintain trunk support without holding your breath for the whole repetition.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same barbell setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing One Leg Barbell Squat sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Quadriceps is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the quadriceps using something else.
Related
Related movements
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