Pistol Squat (Assisted)

The pistol squat holding a rack or a strap; the hand carries just enough to keep the depth honest.

Pistol Squat (Assisted), illustrated

How to do it

Setup

One leg, the other forward; one hand on a rack, strap or doorframe.

Steps

  1. Squat to full depth with the hand carrying as LITTLE as possible.
  2. Keep the heel down, free leg up.
  3. Drive up, easing the hand's help every session.

Common mistakes

Hauling on the support: the assist is a fingertip, not a pull-up. Skipping depth: the point of the assist IS the depth. Same help forever: reduce it or stay stuck.

Breathing

Inhale down, exhale up.