← Back to library
Last updated March 5, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsAbductorsGlutes
Squat (Band)
Stand on a loop band and hold the other end at shoulder height. Squat down. The band adds more resistance as you stand up towards the top.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Low
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Quads
Secondary
Glutes (max)
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Resistance Band
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
reps
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place a resistance band just above your knees.
- Ensure that the band is secure and that you have enough tension to feel resistance when you squat.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Point your toes slightly outward, ensuring your feet are flat on the ground.
- Your knees should be aligned with your toes to prevent any strain.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your torso.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back to maintain good posture.
- Step 4Initiate the Squat
- Begin the squat by pushing your hips back as if you're sitting in a chair.
- Bend your knees and lower your body while keeping your weight on your heels.
- Step 5Lower Your Body
- Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
- Ensure that your knees do not extend past your toes.
- Step 6Return to Standing
- Press through your heels to stand back up, straightening your legs and returning to the starting position.
- Keep your core engaged throughout the movement to maintain stability.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring that your form remains consistent with each squat.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.
_Thighs_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)
-(male)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Frog Reverse Hyperextension
Glutes (max)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)
Lower Back

Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Hip Thrust (Smith)
Glutes (max)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)
Quads

Sumo Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)
Glutes (max)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)
Hamstrings

Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Leg Press (Smith)
Quads

Hack Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Shuttle (Band)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Squat (Smith)
Quads

Box Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Squat - Wide (Barbell)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Leg Press - Horizontal, Seated (Machine)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Press (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Thighs-FIX_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hack Squat - Close Stance
Outer Quad

Pull Through (Cable)
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)
Glutes (max)

Swing (Kettlebell)
Glutes (max)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hack Squat
Quads

Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Kickback (Cable)
Glutes (max)
-(left)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Landmine Deadlift
Hamstrings

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Pistol Squat (Machine)
Quads

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)
Quads

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)
Quads

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)
Hamstrings

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)
Glutes (max)

Rear Decline Bridge
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sled Side Leg Press
Quads

Front Squat (Barbell)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)
Glutes (max)

Front Squat (Smith)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hip_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)
Glutes (max)

Hack Squat (Smith)
Quads