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Last updated March 30, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsAbductorsGlutes

Squat (Dumbbell)

Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Squat down as if sitting in a chair. Keep your chest up and drive through your heels to stand.

Quick facts

Level
Beginner
Mechanic
Compound
Force
Push
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Low
Hypertrophy
Very High
Calorie Burn
Medium-High

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

Dumbbell

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Standing

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
    • Ensure your feet are flat on the ground and your toes are slightly pointed out.
  2. Step 2Position the Dumbbells
    • Raise the dumbbells to shoulder height, with your elbows bent and palms facing each other.
    • Keep your chest up and shoulders back to maintain good posture.
  3. Step 3Engage Your Core
    • Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your body.
    • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
  4. Step 4Begin the Squat
    • Bend at your hips and knees simultaneously, lowering your body as if sitting back into a chair.
    • Keep your weight on your heels and ensure your knees do not extend past your toes.
  5. Step 5Lower Your Body
    • Continue to lower yourself until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, or as low as your flexibility allows.
    • Keep your chest lifted and back straight throughout the descent.
  6. Step 6Rise Back Up
    • Push through your heels to stand back up, straightening your legs and returning to the starting position.
    • Ensure to keep your core engaged and maintain good posture as you rise.
  7. Step 7Repeat
    • Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form.
    • Focus on controlled movements to avoid injury.
  8. Step 8Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully lower the dumbbells back to your sides.
    • Take a moment to catch your breath and ensure you are stable before moving on.

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Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025