Bodyweight
All Fours Squad Stretch
Quads · Upper Legs
Intermediate6
Demonstration
IntermediateCompoundMachine
Smith Chair Squat
Quads · Upper Legs
4
sets
6–8
reps
2m
Rest time
~9
Calories / set
Instructions
- 1
Adjust the height of the smith machine bar to a comfortable position.
- 2
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
- 3
Place the barbell across your upper back, resting it on your traps.
- 4
Engage your core and keep your chest up as you slowly lower your body by bending your knees and hips.
- 5
Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
- 6
Pause for a moment, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
- 7
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Primary
Quads
glutes
Secondary
gluteshamstringscalves
Pro tips
- Move through the full range of motion under control.
- Keep tension on the target muscle — avoid using momentum.
- Breathe out on the effort, in on the return.
- Pick a weight that lets you keep clean form for every rep.
Common mistakes
- Using too much weight and sacrificing technique.
- Rushing reps instead of controlling the tempo.
- Cutting the range of motion short.
- Holding your breath throughout the set.
Safety notes
- Warm up thoroughly before working heavy.
- Stop immediately if you feel sharp or joint pain.
- Use a spotter or safeties for heavy barbell work.
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