The sissy squat is a challenging bodyweight exercise that targets the quadriceps by requiring a deep knee bend and significant balance, often performed with minimal support. It emphasizes quad strength and control, while also engaging the calves and glutes.
Quick Facts
How to Do Sissy Squat
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Sissy Squat with proper form and technique.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing slightly outward.
- Hold onto a stable object for balance if needed.
- Slowly lower your body by bending your knees and leaning back, keeping your torso upright.
- Continue lowering until your thighs are parallel to the ground or as far as you can comfortably go.
- Pause for a moment, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Sissy Squat targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Sissy Squat
Incorporating Sissy Squat into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Quads Development: Sissy Squat directly targets and strengthens the Quads, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Calves and Glutes, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Sissy Squat build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Advanced Training Stimulus: This challenging exercise provides the intensity needed for experienced athletes to continue making progress.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Sissy Squat safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Sissy Squat, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Quads and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Knee Safety: Keep your knees tracking in line with your toes throughout the movement. Don't let them cave inward.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Quads typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Sissy Squat, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.