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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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your body.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form.
- Focus on controlled movements to avoid injury.
- 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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