Bodyweight
Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (Male)
Glutes · Upper Legs
Intermediate6
Demonstration
IntermediateCompoundMachine
Smith Squat
Glutes · Upper Legs
4
sets
6–8
reps
2m
Rest time
~9
Calories / set
Instructions
- 1
Set up the smith machine with the barbell at an appropriate height for your squat.
- 2
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
- 3
Position yourself under the barbell, resting it on your upper traps and shoulders.
- 4
Grip the barbell with a wide grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- 5
Engage your core and unrack the barbell, stepping back to clear the rack.
- 6
Keeping your chest up and back straight, initiate the squat by bending at the hips and knees.
- 7
Lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
- 8
Pause for a moment at the bottom, then drive through your heels to return to the starting position.
- 9
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Primary
Glutes
quadriceps
Secondary
quadricepshamstringscalves
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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