Exercise
Split Squat with Dumbbells
Also known as: bulgarian split squat, rear foot elevated split squat, rfess


Split Squat with Dumbbells is a compound exercise for the glutes and quadriceps. Main target: gluteus maximus and vastus medialis. Also works: vastus lateralis, rectus femoris and biceps femoris. Equipment: dumbbell.
Muscles worked
How to do it
- Position yourself into a staggered stance with the rear foot elevated and front foot forward.
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang at the sides. This will be your starting position.
- Begin by descending, flexing your knee and hip to lower your body down. Maintain good posture througout the movement. Keep the front knee in line with the foot as you perform the exercise.
- At the bottom of the movement, drive through the heel to extend the knee and hip to return to the starting position.
Common mistakes
- Shifting weight onto the back leg — the wrong leg does the work.
Tips
- A slight forward lean puts more load on the front glute.
Used in these programs
Upper/Lower 4-Day Split
Four sessions a week: two upper-body and two lower-body days, one heavy and one higher-rep in each pair.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · Gym3-Day Gym Workout Plan for WomenThree sessions a week with a glute and leg focus plus an upper-body day — for strength and a toned look.
Beginner · 3 times a week · GymDumbbell Upper/Lower Split, 4 DaysA four-day split with just dumbbells and a bench: two upper-body days, two leg-and-glute days. Muscle growth at home.
Intermediate · 4 times a week · HomeLeg Day WorkoutA complete leg day: barbell squats, Romanian deadlifts, leg press, split squats, leg curls and calves.
Intermediate · once a week · GymSimilar exercises

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Dumbbell Squat
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Dumbbell Rear Lunge
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Dumbbell Squat To A Bench
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Dumbbell Seated Box Jump
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Dumbbell Step Ups
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Alternatives with other equipment

Freehand Jump Squat
Bodyweight
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Squats - With Bands
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Barbell Lunge
Barbell
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Cable Deadlifts
Cable
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Kettlebell Pistol Squat
Kettlebell
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Leverage Deadlift
Machine
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