The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Box Squat with Chains
Box Squat with Chains is an expert-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes and back.
The equipment listed for this variation.
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Legs
Box Squat with Chains also involves glutes, back.
Strength
Movement pattern: squat. This is a compound exercise.
Expert
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
How to do Box Squat with Chains
- Begin in a power rack with a box at the appropriate height behind you. Typically, you would aim for a box height that brings you to a parallel squat, but you can train higher or lower if desired.
- To set up the chains, begin by looping the leader chain over the sleeves of the bar. The heavy chain should be attached using a snap hook. Adjust the length of the lead chain so that a few links are still on the floor at the top of the movement.
- Begin by stepping under the bar and placing it across the back of the shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and rotate your elbows forward, attempting to bend the bar across your shoulders. Remove the bar from the rack, creating a tight arch in your lower back, and step back into position. Place your feet wider for more emphasis on the back, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings, or closer together for more quad development. Keep your head facing forward.
- With your back, shoulders, and core tight, push your knees and butt out and you begin your descent. Sit back with your hips until you are seated on the box. Ideally, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground. Pause when you reach the box, and relax the hip flexors. Never bounce off of a box.
- Keeping the weight on your heels and pushing your feet and knees out, drive upward off of the box as you lead the movement with your head. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe.
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutMore exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Barbell Squat To A Bench
Barbell Squat To A Bench is an expert-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes and back.
View exerciseBox Squat with Bands
Box Squat with Bands is an expert-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes and back.
View exerciseFront Barbell Squat
Front Barbell Squat is an expert-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes.
View exerciseFront Barbell Squat To A Bench
Front Barbell Squat To A Bench is an expert-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes.
View exerciseRelated calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
Common questions about Box Squat with Chains.
What muscles does Box Squat with Chains work?
Box Squat with Chains primarily trains the legs and also involves the glutes and back.
Is Box Squat with Chains beginner-friendly?
It is listed as expert.
What equipment do I need for Box Squat with Chains?
This variation uses a barbell.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
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