StrengthIntermediatebench, dumbbells (optional)

Bulgarian Split Squat

A unilateral squat with the rear foot elevated on a bench behind you. One of the most effective exercises for single-leg strength and muscle development.

How to do it

  1. 1Place rear foot on a bench behind you, laces down
  2. 2Front foot roughly 2 feet in front of the bench
  3. 3Lower until the front thigh is at or below parallel
  4. 4Drive through the front heel to stand, keeping torso upright

Common mistakes

  • Standing too close to the bench, causing knee to travel too far forward
  • Leaning the torso excessively forward
  • Back foot doing too much work — focus on the front leg

Muscles worked

quadricepsgluteshamstringscorehip flexors

Variations

Easier

Split squat (both feet on the floor)

Harder

Weighted Bulgarian split squat with barbell

Used in

Related exercises

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