← Back to library
Last updated March 5, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsAbductorsGlutes
Sumo Squat (Barbell)
Take a very wide stance with toes pointing out. Squat down with the barbell on your back. Keep your knees pushing out over your toes.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Quads
Secondary
Inner Thigh (large)
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Barbell
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 with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward.
- Hold a barbell with both hands, using an overhand grip, and rest it on your upper thighs.
- Step 2Position the Barbell
- Position the barbell so that it rests comfortably on your thighs.
- Ensure your grip is shoulder-width apart and your elbows are slightly bent.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body throughout the movement.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back to maintain good posture.
- Step 4Lower Your Body
- Begin the squat by bending at the hips and knees, lowering your body down.
- Keep your knees in line with your toes and push your hips back as if sitting in a chair.
- Step 5Reach the Bottom Position
- Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground or as low as your flexibility allows.
- Ensure that your back remains straight and your chest is lifted.
- Step 6Push Back Up
- Press through your heels to push your body back up to the starting position.
- Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement and ensure your knees do not cave inward.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the squat for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the barbell back to your thighs.
- Stand tall and ensure your posture is straight before setting the barbell down safely.
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

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

Squat (Band)
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