Barbell Zercher Squat
Cradle the bar in the elbow crooks and squat down with an upright torso, bracing hard through the trunk.
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See your setup in four steps
Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.
- 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 Zercher Squat work?
- The Barbell Zercher Squat mainly works the quads and glutes.
- What equipment do you need for the Barbell Zercher Squat?
- A barbell.
- How many sets and reps of the Barbell Zercher 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 Zercher 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 Zercher Squat to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.
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See your setup in four steps
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