Half Squat How To Exercise Guide

Video Demonstration

If you are looking to add some size and strength to your Quadriceps, then the Half Squat is just what you need.

You should add the Half Squat to your routine after you have completed the Full Squat. Half squats are more of an assistance exercise and should be used to add some additional strength to your Quads. It is not a replacement for performing full depth Squats.

This article will cover how to perform the Half Squat with video, image and a written step by step description explaining how you carry out the movement.

Its difficulty level, the equipment that you will need, and the different muscle groups that get worked when you do it.

The different benefits you get when it gets added to your training routine, and some training tips to make sure you get the most out of doing this exercise.

Half Squat How to Guide

Image Example

Step by Step Description

Step 1: Stand up and move your feet approximately shoulder width apart with your toes pointing outwards by 45 degrees. Pull your shoulders back and down while pushing your chest out. You are now in the starting position.

Step 2: Push your hips back and bend at your knees lowering your body until the crease of your hip is in line with your knees or just slightly higher.

Step 3: Reverse direction by pressing your heels into the floor and extending your knees returning your body back to the raised position.

Congratulations you have now completed one repetition of the Half Squat.

Difficulty Level

The half squat gets rated at an Intermediate difficulty level. If you have just started lifting you should practice with just your body weight until you have a solid technique and then start adding additional resistance.

Equipment Required

There are multiple different pieces of equipment you can use to perform this exercise. These include a barbell and weight plates, Kettlebells, or dumbbells. You can also use weighted clothing to make this lift more challenging.

Muscles Worked

The Primary muscle that gets used when performing the half squat is your Quadriceps.

The secondary muscles involved are your Hamstrings, Glutes, and your Core. This lift only slightly activates the Hamstrings and Glutes.

You still need to perform Full Squats to fully activate these muscles.

Benefits of the Half Squat

Performing this lift will help you to increase athletic performance in sports that require quick bursts of speed.

The additional muscle you develop will make your body burn a higher number of calories.

Squatting reduces your chance of injury by strengthening your stabilizer muscles, connective tissue and ligaments. While also improving your flexibility (enhances the range of motion for your ankles and hips) and balance.

• Alternate Exercises

• Full Squat
• Piston Squat
• Goblet Squat
• Split Squat Jumps

In Closing

While the Half Squat is no replacement for Full Squats, it is a useful exercise to use when you want to add some additional muscle on your Quads.

Like most compound movements it works best when used in a routine that uses Progressive Overload. Using Progressive Overload will help ensure you continue building more strength on this lift from week to week.

The Half Squat should be added to your training after you have completed all other compound movements but before using any isolation exercises.