---
title: Barbell squats
description: A barbell squat is a push-type, compound exercise which works primarily your quadriceps, but also trains your glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
---

[LivRite Fitness | Blog ](https://www.livritefitness.com/blog)

# [Barbell squats](https://www.livritefitness.com/blog/barbell-squats)

 Written by [Katie Frissell](https://www.livritefitness.com/blog/author/katie-frissell) | Feb 5, 2018 10:06:51 PM

A barbell squat is a push-type, compound exercise which works primarily your quadriceps, but also trains your glutes, hamstrings, and calves, as well as muscles in your lower back. 

- Stand with feet shoulder width apart and toes facing in front of you. Place the barbell on your shoulders, below the trapezius muscles (NOT on your neck!).
- Keeping your back flat, slowly lower your body, bending at the knees and the hips. Stop when your legs form a 90 degree angle. Do not let your knees go forwards past your toes.
- Slowly push through your heels to return to the starting position, contracting the thigh muscles. You should aim to do 3-4 sets hitting around 10 or 12 reps.

 

Looking for more great leg workouts?  Check out our [leg workout exercise library.](https://www.livritefitness.com/leg-workouts)

Need help getting started?  Our highly trained and certified staff would love to help you reach your goals.  Click on the link below to request a trainer.  Don't wait, start today!

 

[View full post](https://www.livritefitness.com/blog/barbell-squats)

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Katie Frissell"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2021-02-18T22:37:43.368Z",
  "datePublished" : "2018-02-05T22:06:51Z",
  "headline" : "Barbell squats",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 60,
    "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
    "width" : 60
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.livritefitness.com/blog/barbell-squats",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "/hs/hsstatic/content_shared_assets/static-1.4092/img/default-amp-logo.png",
      "width" : 60
    },
    "name" : "Blog"
  }
}
```