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Dumbbell Box Squats

BEGINNER

Dumbbell Box Squats

A lower-body strength exercise using dumbbells while sitting back to a box or bench, targeting the quads and glutes, improving squat mechanics, control, and safe depth consistency.

Demonstration Video

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Instructions

  1. Stand in front of a box or bench with a pair of dumbbells next to you. Spread your legs so that they are slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  2. Point your feet and knees diagonally in the same direction.
  3. Keeping your torso upright, inhale and slowly squat down, first pulling your hips back and then your knees. Stop and hold for a second as your buttocks touch the box. Do not sit on the box and do not swing.
  4. Exhale as you bounce back without rocking forward.
  5. Repeat for the specified number of repetitions.

Tips

  • Keep your torso straight, your knees out, your shins vertical, and your feet flat.
  • Keep your feet and knees pointing in the same direction.
  • Control the movement to the cashier or bank. Do not sit; just pause. Sitting down will lead to compression of the spine.
  • Drive on your heels when jumping up, and don't rock forward.

Alternative Exercises

Barbell Box Squat

STRENGTH BARBELL BOX

Barbell Box Squat extends your lower body back further than you would during a regular squat. This exercise helps to activate muscle groups across your lower body, including your hamstrings, glutes, spinal erectors, hip flexors, and lower back muscles.

Bodyweight Squat

STRENGTH NO EQUIPMENT

Bodyweight Squat builds your lower-body muscles that specifically activate muscles like the hamstrings, quadriceps, glutes, and calf muscles. Doing squats can help you prepare for other strength-training exercises like deadlifts.

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Author

Owen
Owen Jones
Owen
Updated: 17 Sep 2024