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Glutes exercise · dumbbell

Dumbbell Squat

The dumbbell squat is a dumbbell exercise that targets the glutes, with the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves assisting.

Animated demonstration of the dumbbell squat
Dumbbell Squat — demonstration
Target muscle
Glutes
Also works
Quadriceps, hamstrings, calves
Equipment
Dumbbell
Body part
Upper legs

How to do the dumbbell squat

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
  2. Keeping your chest up and core engaged, lower your body down by bending at the knees and hips, as if sitting back into a chair.
  3. Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
  4. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the glutes. The quadriceps, hamstrings and calves work as secondary muscles. See all glute exercises or every dumbbell exercise.

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