Skip to content

Barbell Low-Bar Squat

With the bar low on the rear delts, hinge slightly more and squat to parallel to recruit the hips and posterior chain.

Get started

See your setup in four steps

Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.

Muscles worked
Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings
Equipment
Barbell
Movement
Legs

Sets and reps

  • For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
  • For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9).
  • Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.

General ranges, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts.

Alternatives

Other exercises for the quads, for when the barbell is taken or you want a change.

Questions

What muscles does the Barbell Low-Bar Squat work?
The Barbell Low-Bar Squat mainly works the quads, glutes and hamstrings.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Low-Bar Squat?
A barbell.
How many sets and reps of the Barbell Low-Bar Squat?
For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Low-Bar Squat?
ATG Split Squat, Backward Sled Drag, Band Squat and Belt Squat work the same main muscle.

Program it for your clients

Coaches add the Barbell Low-Bar Squat to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.

Get started

See your setup in four steps

Your first 3 clients are free. 0% commission on everything you sell.