Barbell Lateral Squat - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Barbell Lateral Squat

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Barbell Lateral Squat.

MediumGlutesQuadriceps

About this exercise

The barbell side split squat is a unilateral lower-body exercise performed with a wide stance where you shift your weight to one leg and descend into a lateral lunge position. It targets the quadriceps and inner thighs while also demanding hip mobility.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet significantly wider than shoulder-width and rest a barbell across your upper traps
  • Point both feet slightly outward and keep your torso upright throughout
  • Shift your weight to one leg and bend that knee, lowering your hips toward that side
  • Keep the opposite leg straight with its foot flat on the floor
  • Descend until your thigh on the working leg is roughly parallel to the floor
  • Drive through the working heel to push back up to the starting wide-stance position
  • Complete all repetitions on one side before switching, or alternate sides as prescribed

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesQuadriceps
Secondary
CalvesInner thighs

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Barbell Lateral Squat

The Barbell Lateral Squat is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.