Legs
The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Exercise guide
Dumbbell Squat To A Bench
Dumbbell Squat To A Bench is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the glutes and back.
Dumbbell
The equipment listed for this variation.
Intermediate
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Legs
Dumbbell Squat To A Bench also involves glutes, back.
Strength
Movement pattern: squat. This is a compound exercise.
Intermediate
This level reflects the setup and movement complexity recorded for this exercise.
Instructions
How to do Dumbbell Squat To A Bench
- Stand up straight with a flat bench behind you while holding a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing the side of your legs).
- Position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section.
- Begin to slowly lower your torso by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until you slightly touch the bench behind you. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
- Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Related workouts
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 workout30-Minute Fat Loss Workout
A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workoutRelated exercises
More 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 Full Squat
Barbell Full Squat is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes and back.
View exerciseBarbell Hack Squat
Barbell Hack Squat is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the arms and glutes.
View exerciseBox Squat
Box Squat is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes and back.
View exerciseDumbbell Squat
Dumbbell Squat is a beginner-friendly leg exercise performed with dumbbells. It also involves the glutes and back.
View exerciseRelated tools
Related calculators for this exercise.
Use these calculators when you want to connect the exercise itself to calories, protein, strength targets, or training volume.
FAQ
Common questions about Dumbbell Squat To A Bench.
What muscles does Dumbbell Squat To A Bench work?
Dumbbell Squat To A Bench primarily trains the legs and also involves the glutes and back.
Is Dumbbell Squat To A Bench beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell Squat To A Bench?
This variation uses dumbbells.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.