Platesmith

Safety Bar Squat

A compound barbell exercise for the quadriceps and gluteus maximus.

  • Legs
  • Barbell
  • Compound

All exercises

Log it in Platesmith. The app shows last time's numbers on every set of Safety Bar Squat, times your rest and tells you when to add weight. Free, with no ads.

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Muscles worked

MainQuadriceps, Gluteus maximus
AlsoHamstrings, Erector spinae

Setup

The safety bar shifts the load forward, so brace hard to stay upright.

How to do it well

  • Settle the padded bar on the upper back
  • Grip the handles and brace
  • Squat to depth and drive up

Common mistakes

  • Letting the torso fall forward
  • Rounding the upper back

Similar exercises

General guidance, not medical advice. Start lighter than you think, and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition or injury.