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Last updated February 2, 2026
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Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
Hold one heavy DB with both hands hanging between legs. Wide stance. Squat deep.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-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
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 with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointed slightly outward.
- Hold a dumbbell with both hands, letting it hang between your legs.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Ensure your feet are firmly planted on the ground, with your weight distributed evenly.
- Keep your chest up and shoulders back to maintain good posture.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your lower back.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Step 4Lower Your Body
- Bend your knees and push your hips back, lowering your body towards the ground.
- Keep the dumbbell close to your body as you descend.
- Step 5Reach the Bottom Position
- Lower yourself until your thighs are parallel to the ground or as low as you can comfortably go.
- Ensure your knees are tracking over your toes and not caving inward.
- Step 6Return to Starting Position
- Push through your heels to rise back up to the starting position.
- Straighten your legs and return to standing while keeping your core engaged.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, maintaining proper form throughout each squat.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully place the dumbbell down on the ground.
- Stand tall and take a moment to catch your breath before moving on.