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Quads

Bulgarian Split Squat

Intermediate Dumbbell Compound Quads

How to do it

  1. Stand about one long stride in front of a bench, facing away from it.

  2. Rest the top of your back foot on the bench with the front foot planted flat.

  3. Hold dumbbells at your sides and brace your core.

  4. Lower straight down until the front thigh is parallel to the floor.

  5. Drive up through the front heel, not off the back leg.

  6. Finish all reps, then switch sides.

Common mistakes

  • Front foot too close to the bench, jamming the knee.

  • Pushing off the back foot to help yourself up.

  • Torso rotating to the side as you fatigue.

  • Loading heavy before your balance is solid.

Tips

  • Start bodyweight only until you can do 10 clean reps per side.

  • Lean the torso forward slightly to bias the glutes.

  • Hold a rack upright with one hand while your balance improves.

Secondary muscles

Alternatives

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