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Quads

Bulgarian split squat: how to do it right

In the Bulgarian split squat you rest your back foot on a bench and lower with your front leg. It's one of the best exercises for quads and glutes.

Main muscle
Quads
Also works
Glutes, Adductors
Equipment
Dumbbells and bench
Level
Intermediate
Bulgarian split squat: start position
Start position
Bulgarian split squat: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. With your back to a bench, rest the top of one foot on it.
  2. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, place your front foot a long step away from the bench.
  3. Lower by bending your front knee until your thigh is almost parallel to the floor.
  4. Push back up through your front foot.

Tip: Leaning slightly forward works your glutes more; an upright torso, your quads.

Common mistakes

Front foot too close

Your knee travels too far forward. Find a distance where you can lower comfortably.

Pushing with your back leg

Your back leg only rests on the bench.

Knee caving in

Your knee tracks over your foot.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

Why is it so hard?

Because each leg moves almost your whole body weight. Start without dumbbells.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add bulgarian split squat to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.