Dumbbell Squat

Dumbbells at the sides or at the shoulders; easier to bail out of than a bar.

Dumbbell Squat, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Bells at the sides or at the shoulders, feet shoulder-width, toes slightly out.

Steps

  1. Squat to parallel or below, chest tall.
  2. Keep the whole foot planted.
  3. Drive up, hips and chest together.

Common mistakes

Bells pulling the shoulders forward: blades set back, arms just carry. Knees caving: push them over the toes. Cutting depth as the set tires: same depth, fewer reps.

Breathing

Inhale down, exhale up.