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Speed for this exercise

Cossack Squat

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3sets
6-8reps /side
90srest
~6.1kcal/min

How to do it

Muscles worked

Secondary
QuadricepsGlutesHamstrings

Secondary muscles help but are not the main target

See the full tier list · Adductors

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 inInner thighs

Front thigh and glute of the working leg; a stretch at the front of the other hip.

Key cue (the coach says it during the set)“Long step, drop straight down, drive through the front heel.”

Tempo · Down 2 s · 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 KneesFront knee caving in or shooting far past the toes from a short step. Step longer and keep the knee over the middle toes.
  • Feel it in Lower backArching or leaning back. Keep the ribs down and the torso tall; hold weights at your sides.
  • Feel it in Front of hipsFront of the back hip is tight. That stretch is normal — squeeze the back glute to open it more.
  • 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

  • Keep your chest up and the working knee tracking over your toes.
  • Only go as deep as you can with your heel down — depth comes with practice.

Common mistakes

  • Letting the working heel lift off the floor.
  • Rounding the back to reach a deeper position.

Breathing

Inhale as you sit into the side, exhale as you return to the middle.

Equipment needed

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