Why The Barbell Squat Is The Number One Leg Exercise

The benefits of the Barbell Squat over any other leg exercise is that it promotes muscle growth for your entire body, not just your legs. Since the barbell squat takes so much energy and strength to perform, it forces the body to release a large amount of testosterone and growth hormone. Both of these muscle building hormones will help promote muscle growth for your entire body.

The Barbell Squat Does More Than Build Muscle

The barbell squat is not only important for strength in your legs but can also dramatically increase your metabolism. Because the squat hits every muscle group from the waist down, fat loss will occur. In some cases, metabolism has been known to increase for as long as 48 hours post workout.

How to set up for the barbell squat…

1. Set the barbell at chest level on the squat rack
2. Place your feet directly under the barbell
3. Position the barbell across your back
4. Place your hands on the barbell in a comfortable position
5. Un-rack the barbell and slowly step back.

Barbell Squat – The Proper Execution

Bend your knees forward and allow your hips to go backwards while keeping your back straight. Drop your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Then extend the knees and hips to return to the starting position. Always keep your head held high. Your knees should face the same direction as your feet throughout the entire rep of the barbell squat.

Barbell Squat – The Muscle Groups Worked

• Quadriceps
• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Calves
• Abs
• Lower Back
• Upper Back

When lowering the barbell, I feel the glutes and hamstrings are more activated. When raising the barbell, I feel the quads and lower back are more engaged. The Calves, abs and upper back help stabilize the barbell during the lift.

Barbell Squat Safety

When performing the barbell squat, it is important that you have a spotter. You are lifting extremely heavy weights and it is possible that your legs could give out or you will not have enough energy to raise the bar back to the rack. When this occurs, a spotter can prevent an injury during your barbell squat.

Henry Chervenka

Barbell Squat related information.