Legs
The main muscle group listed for this exercise.
Exercise guide
Olympic Squat
Olympic Squat is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the glutes.
Barbell
The equipment listed for this variation.
Intermediate
The recorded setup and movement complexity.
Legs
Olympic Squat also involves glutes.
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 Olympic Squat
- Begin with a barbell supported on top of the traps. The chest should be up, and the head facing forward. Adopt a hip width stance with the feet turned out as needed.
- Descend by flexing the knees, refraining from moving the hips back as much as possible. This requires that the knees travel forward; ensure that they stay aligned with the feet. The goal is to keep the torso as upright as possible. Continue all the way down, keeping the weight on the front of the heel.
- At the moment the upper legs contact the lower, reverse the motion, driving the weight upward.
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 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 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 exerciseFrankenstein Squat
Frankenstein Squat is an intermediate-level leg exercise performed with a barbell. It also involves the core and glutes.
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 Olympic Squat.
What muscles does Olympic Squat work?
Olympic Squat primarily trains the legs and also involves the glutes.
Is Olympic Squat beginner-friendly?
It is listed as intermediate.
What equipment do I need for Olympic Squat?
This variation uses a barbell.
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.