Smith Machine Pistol Squat

An intermediate strength exercise for the quads, calves, glutes and hamstrings, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Smith Machine Pistol Squat

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusQuads · Calves · Glutes · Hamstrings

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Bodyweight squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBodyweight squatBeginner · No equipment

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

Smith Machine Pistol Squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSmith Machine Pistol SquatIntermediate · Strength machine

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Kettlebell Pistol Squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoKettlebell Pistol SquatAdvanced · A kettlebell

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Step under it and position the bar across the back of your shoulders.
Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs. 3
Move one foot forward about 12 inches in front of the bar. Extend the other leg out in front of you, holding it off the ground. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.
Maintaining good posture, lower yourself by flexing the knee and hip, going down as far as flexibility allows.
Pause briefly at the bottom and then return to the starting position by driving through the heel of your foot, extending the knee and hip.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

Loading movement options…

What it works

Muscles

Main: Quads. Also: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Pistol squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPistol squatAdvanced · No equipment

Back squat with bands demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with bandsAdvanced · A barbell + A band

Back squat with chains demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBack squat with chainsAdvanced · A barbell + Other / check instructions

Barbell box squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell box squatIntermediate · A barbell

Barbell Bulgarian split squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell Bulgarian split squatAdvanced · A barbell + A bench or box

Barbell hack squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell hack squatIntermediate · A barbell

Browse more

Questions people ask

What muscles does the Smith Machine Pistol Squat work?

Mainly the quads, with help from the calves, glutes and hamstrings.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Pistol Squat?

Strength machine.

Is the Smith Machine Pistol Squat good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Bodyweight squat.

What is an easier alternative to the Smith Machine Pistol Squat?

Try the Bodyweight squat. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Smith Machine Pistol Squat harder?

Progress to the Kettlebell Pistol Squat, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.