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Glutes exercise · body weight

Single Leg Squat (Pistol) Male

The single leg squat (pistol) male is a bodyweight exercise that targets the glutes, with the quadriceps, hamstrings and calves assisting.

Animated demonstration of the single leg squat (pistol) male
Single Leg Squat (Pistol) Male — demonstration
Target muscle
Glutes
Also works
Quadriceps, hamstrings, calves
Equipment
Body weight
Body part
Upper legs

How to do the single leg squat (pistol) male

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms extended in front of you.
  2. Lift your right foot off the ground and extend it forward.
  3. Slowly lower your body down by bending your left knee and pushing your hips back.
  4. Keep your chest up and your back straight as you lower yourself down.
  5. Lower until your left thigh is parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
  6. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your left heel to return to the starting position.
  7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch legs.

Sets and reps

Start with 3 sets of 10–15 reps, resting 45–60 seconds. When every set feels easy, add reps, slow the lowering phase or move to a harder variation.

Muscles worked

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

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