Legs

Barbell Overhead Squat

Barbell Overhead Squat is a barbell exercise that mainly works the quads, with the glutes and hamstrings and calves helping. Kynetix starts it at 3 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

At a glance

Main muscleQuads
Also worksGlutes, Hamstrings, Calves, Core
Body partUpper Legs
EquipmentBarbell
Kynetix default3 sets of 5 to 8 reps

The one cue

Big breath, brace hard. Knees follow the toes.

The same cue Kynetix shows on this lift during a workout.

How to progress

Use double progression. Pick a weight you can lift for 5 clean reps on every set. Each session, try to add a rep or two. When every set reaches 8 reps with good form, add 2.5 kg (1.25 kg a side) and start again near 5. Kynetix suggests the next weight from your own last sessions, so you don't have to remember what you lifted.

How Kynetix tracks it

  • Log each set in a tap with weight and rep steppers. Your last set sits right there.
  • The rest timer starts on its own after every set.
  • Personal records are spotted as you lift, using an estimated one-rep max (weight x (1 + reps / 30)).
  • Kyno suggests the next weight from your own history.

Questions

What muscles does barbell Overhead Squat work?

Mainly the quads, with the glutes and hamstrings and calves helping.

How many sets and reps of barbell Overhead Squat should I do?

Kynetix starts it at 3 sets of 5 to 8 reps. Stay in that range and add weight once every set reaches 8 reps with good form.

Similar exercises

All exercisesOne rep max calculator

General training information, not medical advice. Stop if something hurts and get it checked.