How to do Barbell Back Squat
- Main muscle
- Quadriceps
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Level
- Intermediate
- Type
- Strength
Secondary muscles
How to do it
- 1
This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack to just below shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
- 2
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
- 3
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section).
- 4
Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
- 5
Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
- 6
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
This page is general information. If you have an injury, pain or a health condition, check with a professional before doing this exercise.
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Ready-made programs with this exercise
Gyms and trainers on GamGym can import these programs as their own templates and assign them to members.
- Workout program
5×5 Strength Foundation
Few lifts, heavy sets, steady loading. Three sessions a week alternating workouts A and B (A-B-A one week, B-A-B the next). Squats every session. For members who already know basic barbell technique.
Strength · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Upper/Lower 4 Days
Two upper and two lower sessions a week, so each muscle group is trained twice. The first pair is heavier compound work, the second pair higher reps. Mon-Tue-Thu-Fri works well.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Push/Pull/Legs 6 Days
Pull, push, legs, repeat, then a rest day. Each day opens with a main barbell lift followed by higher-rep accessories for volume. For members who can train six days a week and recover well.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 6 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Push/Pull/Legs 3 Days
The classic PPL compressed into three days. Each muscle group gets one well-loaded session a week. For busy members or those building up to a six-day split.
Muscle gain · Beginner · Gym · 3 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Body Part Split 5 Days
One body part per day: chest, back, shoulders, legs, arms. High volume per muscle once a week. The most familiar gym layout, suited to intermediate members who know the basics.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 5 days a week · 8 weeks
- Workout program
Upper/Lower Power + Hypertrophy 4 Days
Heavy, low-rep power days early in the week and higher-rep volume days later. For members with 6+ months of consistent training who want both strength and size.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Power + Hypertrophy 5 Days
Two heavy power days (upper, lower) plus three body-part volume days. Each muscle is hit twice a week, once heavy and once for volume. For experienced members with five days available and good recovery.
Muscle gain · Advanced · Gym · 5 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Wave Percentage Program 4 Days
One main lift per day: overhead press, deadlift, bench, squat. The main lift follows a four-week wave of fives, threes, and a deload, computed from 90% of the true max. Slow, long-lasting progress.
Strength · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Three-Tier Linear Progression 4 Days
Each session has three tiers: a heavy main lift (low reps), a second compound lift (moderate reps) and a light accessory (high reps). The four big lifts rotate across days. For members coming off a 5×5 who want more volume.
Strength · Beginner · Gym · 4 days a week · 12 weeks
- Workout program
Glute Focus 4 Days
Two glute-dominant lower days, one glute/hamstring volume day and one upper day. Hip thrusts and RDLs anchor the plan. The most requested layout among female members, but suitable for anyone.
Muscle gain · Intermediate · Gym · 4 days a week · 10 weeks