Exercise

Squat with Chains

Also known as: chained squat, chain squat, accommodating resistance chains squat

Squat with Chains — position 1Squat with Chains — position 2

Squat with Chains is a compound exercise for the quadriceps and glutes. Main target: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis and gluteus maximus. Also works: adductors, biceps femoris, lower back and medial gastrocnemius. Equipment: barbell.

EquipmentBarbell
TypeCompound (multi-joint)
MovementPush
CategoryPowerlifting

Muscles worked

How to do it

  1. To set up the chains, begin by looping the leader chain over the sleeves of the bar. The heavy chain should be attached using a snap hook. Adjust the length of the lead chain so that a few links are still on the floor at the top of the movement.
  2. Begin by stepping under the bar and placing it across the back of the shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and rotate your elbows forward, attempting to bend the bar across your shoulders. Remove the bar from the rack, creating a tight arch in your lower back, and step back into position. Place your feet wide for more emphasis on the back, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings. Keep your head facing forward.
  3. With your back, shoulders, and core tight, push your knees and butt out and you begin your descent. Sit back with your hips as much as possible. Ideally, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground. Lower bar position necessitates a greater torso lean to keep the bar over the heels. Continue until you break parallel, which is defined as the crease of the hip being in line with the top of the knee.
  4. Keeping the weight on your heels and pushing your feet and knees out, drive upward as you lead the movement with your head. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe, until you have returned to the starting position.

Similar exercises

Box Squat
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Box Squat with Bands
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Box Squat with Chains
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Reverse Band Box Squat
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Reverse Band Power Squat
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Speed Box Squat
Barbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus

Alternatives with other equipment

Dumbbell Lunges
Dumbbell
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Freehand Jump Squat
Bodyweight
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Squats - With Bands
Bands
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Cable Deadlifts
Cable
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Car Deadlift
Other
Vastus lateralisVastus medialisGluteus maximus
Kettlebell Pistol Squat
Kettlebell
Vastus medialisVastus lateralisGluteus maximus
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