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Speed for this exercise

Bodyweight Box Squat

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4sets
8-10reps
120srest
~6.1kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
GlutesHamstringsAdductors

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Quadriceps

Feel it right

Where you should feel it, the one cue to remember, and quick fixes when you feel it somewhere else.

You should feel it inFront thighs

Front thighs and glutes; the deeper you go, the more the glutes stretch at the bottom.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Knees follow the toes, chest up, push the floor away.”

Tempo · Down 3 s · pause 1 · up 1 s

Choosing the load: Too easy? Slow down or pause at the hardest point. Too hard? Use an easier version (knees, incline, band).

Feel it somewhere else? Fix it like this

  • Feel it in Lower backLeaning too far forward or rounding at the bottom. Brace before descending, keep the chest up, go only as deep as your back stays neutral.
  • Feel it in KneesKnees caving in or heels lifting. Push the knees out over the toes, keep weight mid-foot, control the descent.
  • Barely felt itToo light or too fast. Lower for 3 seconds, pause 1 second at the stretch, and pick a load that leaves only 1–2 reps in the tank.
  • Joint painSharp or joint pain is a stop sign: end this set, lower the weight, shorten the range — if it repeats, switch to an easier variation.

During a workout we ask after the first set where you felt it and give the fix right away — and remember it for next time.

Tips

  • Use a lower box as your depth and strength improve.
  • The box teaches consistent depth — great for learning or relearning the squat.

Common mistakes

  • Dropping onto the box instead of controlling the descent.
  • Rocking backward to use momentum to stand.

Breathing

Inhale on the way down, exhale as you stand up.

Recommended by goal

Build muscle3–4 sets × 8–12 reps · rest 60–90 s
Strength4–5 sets × 4–6 reps · rest 2–3 min
Endurance2–3 sets × 15–20 reps · rest 30–45 s

Variations of this move

Alternatives for the same muscle