Speed Squats

An advanced strength exercise for the quads, calves, glutes, hamstrings and back, done with a barbell.

Movement guide

Speed Squats

Demand · source-assignedHard (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredA barbell

Muscle focusQuads · Calves · Glutes · Hamstrings · Back

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

Speed Box Squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSpeed Box SquatIntermediate · A barbell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

This move

Speed Squats demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSpeed SquatsAdvanced · A barbell

Advanced grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Shrimp Squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoShrimp SquatExpert · No equipment

Similar move, expert 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

This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section).
Begin to lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees (which is the point in which the upper legs are below parallel to the floor). Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
Begin to raise the bar as fast as possible without involving momentum as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position. Note: You should perform these exercises as fast as possible but without breaking perfect form and without involving momentum.

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.

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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.

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What it works

Muscles

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

Equipment

A barbell

Level

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

Similar moves

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

Barbell side split squat demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell side split squatIntermediate · A barbell

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Speed Squats work?

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

What equipment do I need for the Speed Squats?

A barbell.

Is the Speed Squats good for beginners?

It is an advanced move. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. Build up to it with the Speed Box Squat first.

What is an easier alternative to the Speed Squats?

Try the Speed Box Squat. It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Speed Squats harder?

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