Quads exercise · weighted
Weighted Sissy Squat
The weighted sissy squat is a weighted exercise that targets the quads, with the glutes, hamstrings and calves assisting.
How to do the weighted sissy squat
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward.
- Hold a weight in front of your chest with both hands, or place a barbell across your upper back.
- Keeping your chest up and your core engaged, slowly lower your body down by bending at the knees and hips.
- Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground or as low as you can comfortably go.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
- 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 quads. The glutes, hamstrings and calves work as secondary muscles. See all quad exercises or every weighted exercise.
