Bodyweight Deep Prisoner Squat - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Bodyweight Deep Prisoner Squat

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Bodyweight Deep Prisoner Squat.

EasyGlutesQuadriceps

About this exercise

A full-depth bodyweight squat performed with hands interlaced behind the head in the "prisoner" position. The arm placement forces thoracic extension and prevents forward lean, demanding superior hip mobility, ankle flexibility, and quad strength throughout the entire range of motion.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes turned out slightly
  • Interlace your fingers and place both hands behind your head, keeping elbows pointing outward
  • Brace your core and hold your chest up tall
  • Initiate the squat by pushing your hips back and bending your knees
  • Descend as deep as possible, keeping your heels flat on the floor and knees tracking over your toes
  • Pause briefly at the bottom of the squat
  • Drive through your heels to press back up to the starting position

Muscle Activation

Primary
GlutesQuadriceps
Secondary
HamstringsCore

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Bodyweight Deep Prisoner Squat

The Bodyweight Deep Prisoner 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.