Exercise

Split Squat with Dumbbells

Also known as: bulgarian split squat, rear foot elevated split squat, rfess

Split Squat with Dumbbells — position 1Split Squat with Dumbbells — position 2

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.

EquipmentDumbbell
TypeCompound (multi-joint)
MovementPush
CategoryStrength

Muscles worked

How to do it

  1. Position yourself into a staggered stance with the rear foot elevated and front foot forward.
  2. Hold a dumbbell in each hand, letting them hang at the sides. This will be your starting position.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 · Gym
3-Day Gym Workout Plan for Women

Three 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 · Gym
Dumbbell Upper/Lower Split, 4 Days

A 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 · Home
Leg Day Workout

A complete leg day: barbell squats, Romanian deadlifts, leg press, split squats, leg curls and calves.

Intermediate · once a week · Gym

Similar exercises

Dumbbell Lunges
Dumbbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Dumbbell Squat
Dumbbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
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
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Squats - With Bands
Bands
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Barbell Lunge
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Cable Deadlifts
Cable
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Kettlebell Pistol Squat
Kettlebell
Vastus medialisVastus lateralisGluteus maximus
Leverage Deadlift
Machine
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