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Sissy Squat

Rise onto the toes and lean back as the knees travel forward, lowering to stretch the quads before returning.

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Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.

Muscles worked
Quads
Equipment
Bodyweight
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 bodyweight is taken or you want a change.

Questions

What muscles does the Sissy Squat work?
The Sissy Squat mainly works the quads.
What equipment do you need for the Sissy Squat?
None: it is a bodyweight exercise.
How many sets and reps of the Sissy 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 Sissy Squat?
Backward Sled Drag, Band Squat, Barbell Anderson Squat and Barbell Back Squat work the same main muscle.

Program it for your clients

Coaches add the Sissy 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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