About this exercise
The lever elevated squat is a machine squat variation performed on a hack squat or lever machine with the heels elevated, shifting the load further onto the quadriceps and reducing the demand on the hips and lower back.
Lever Elevated Squat
Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Lever Elevated Squat.
MediumQuadriceps
How to Perform
- Set up on the hack squat machine and position your feet on the platform with heels elevated on a wedge or plate
- Place your feet slightly narrower than shoulder width with toes pointing slightly outward
- Unrack the machine and lower yourself by bending at the knees, keeping your torso relatively upright
- Descend until your thighs are parallel to the platform or slightly below
- Keep your knees tracking over your toes and avoid letting them cave inward
- Drive through the balls of your feet to press back up to the starting position
- Lock out your knees at the top without hyperextending, then repeat
Muscle Activation
Primary
Quadriceps
Secondary
GlutesHamstringsCalves
About the Lever Elevated Squat
The Lever Elevated 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.
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