Breathing
Inhale before or during the controlled descent, then exhale as you stand. Maintain trunk support without holding your breath for the whole repetition.
Getting your next view ready…
The Overhead Squat primarily works the quadriceps, with the abdominals, calves, glutes, hamstrings, lower back, shoulders and triceps supporting the movement. It is a olympic weightlifting movement performed with barbell.

1 / 2How to
Movement instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
Now use your feet and legs to help bring the weight back up to the starting position while exhaling.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
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 Overhead 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
Get the app
Add it to a routine, record every completed set, and keep the workout saved on your phone even when the gym has no reception.