Exercise / 267Animation available
Heel-Elevated Squat demonstration

Illustration by RepDB

Strength / Barbell

Heel-Elevated Squat

A squat variation with heels raised on plates or a wedge to shift emphasis onto the quadriceps and improve depth.

Equipment

Barbell

Experience

intermediate

Movement

compound

Primary musclesSecondary muscles

Lower Back · Hamstrings · Adductors

Instructions

  1. 01

    Place weight plates or a wedge under your heels, feet shoulder-width apart.

  2. 02

    Hold a barbell across your upper back or hold dumbbells at your sides.

  3. 03

    Brace your core and descend into a squat, keeping your torso upright.

  4. 04

    Squat until thighs are parallel to the floor or lower.

  5. 05

    Drive through your feet to return to the starting position.

Choose a load and range you can control. These instructions are general guidance, not a substitute for individual coaching.