Barbell Overhead Squat
Target Muscle
Secondary Muscles
Equipment
Position yourself under the barbell, placing it across the back of your shoulders and gripping it wider than shoulder-width apart; then, lift the barbell off the rack by pushing up with your legs and straightening your torso.
Take a few steps back, plant your feet shoulder-width apart, and point your toes slightly outwards.
Lower your body into a deep squat, keeping your chest up and your back straight, while simultaneously pushing the barbell directly overhead, extending your arms fully.
Pause for a moment at the bottom of the squat, then drive your body back up to the starting position, maintaining control of the barbell overhead throughout the movement.
Pro Tip
**Warm Up and Stretch**: Before you begin the exercise, make sure to warm up your body with some light cardio and dynamic stretching. This will help to increase your flexibility, reduce the risk of injury, and improve your overall performance. Pay particular attention to your shoulder and hip mobility, as these areas are heavily involved in the overhead squat. **Start With Light Weights**: One common mistake is to start with heavy weights. It's important to start with lighter weights to ensure you have mastered the correct technique.