Exercise
Pistol Squat
Also known as: single leg squat (pistol), one leg squat
Pistol Squat is a compound exercise for the quadriceps. Main target: rectus femoris. Also works: gluteus maximus, biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius. No equipment needed — just your bodyweight.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- Stand on one leg with the other leg extended straight in front of you, arms reaching forward for balance.
- Squat down on the standing leg as low as you can, keeping the heel on the floor and the free leg off the ground.
- Drive through the heel to stand back up without touching the free foot down.
- Complete the set, then switch legs.
Similar exercises
Iron Crosses (stretch)
Bodyweight
Rectus femoris
Kneeling Hip Flexor
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All Fours Quad Stretch
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Looking At Ceiling
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Lying Prone Quadriceps
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On Your Side Quad Stretch
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Alternatives with other equipment
Hip Flexion with Band
Bands
Rectus femoris
Intermediate Hip Flexor and Quad Stretch
Other
Rectus femoris
Quadriceps-SMR
Foam roll
Rectus femoris
Leg Press
Machine
Vastus lateralisRectus femoris
Goblet Squat
Kettlebell
Vastus lateralisRectus femorisGluteus maximus
Front Barbell Squat
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisRectus femoris
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