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Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat

INTERMEDIATE

Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat

Barbell Bulgarian Split Squat is a single-leg exercise that strengthens the muscle of your leg, including hamstrings, glutes, quads, and calves. This exercise also engages the core and improves balance and stability.

Demonstration Video

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Target Muscles

Instructions

  1. Get into a lunge in front of a bench. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and place the top of your left leg on the bench behind you.
  2. Lower your body until your back knee almost touches the floor, and your front thigh is parallel to the floor.

Tips

  • Be sure to place your front foot far enough away from the bench.
  • Make sure you drop into a hip squat instead of pushing your knee forward.
  • Do not allow the knee of the grounded leg to drop in.

Alternative Exercises

Back Squat

STRENGTH BARBELL SQUAT RACK

Back Squat specifically targets the posterior chain — or the back of your body — including the lower back, glutes, and hamstrings. The quads and core are also engaged. Back Squat allows you to add weight quicker, which promotes strength and power.

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat

STRENGTH DUMBBELLS

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat strengthens the muscles of the legs, including the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and calves. Also, as a single-leg exercise, your core is forced to work in overdrive to maintain your balance.

Squat Pulses

BODYWEIGHT NO EQUIPMENT

A lower-body endurance exercise performed by holding a squat and making small, controlled pulses to intensify quad, glute, and hip engagement while building burn, stability, and time-under-tension strength.

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Author

Owen
Owen Jones
Owen
Updated: 17 Sep 2024