Legs
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Zercher Squats
Learn how to do the Zercher Squats exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Barbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Expert
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Legs
Secondary support can come from Glutes.
Strength
Movement pattern: squat. This is a compound exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Zercher Squats
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. The correct height should be anywhere above the waist but below the chest. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, lock your hands together and place the bar on top of your arms in between the forearm and upper arm.
- Lift the bar up so that it is resting on top of your forearms. If you are holding the bar properly, it should look as if you have your arms crossed but with a bar running across them.
- Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section).
- Begin to lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees (which is the point in which the upper legs are below parallel to the floor). Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
- Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the ball of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the legs region.
- Trains multiple joints at once, which can make your sessions more efficient.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Skipping the setup and losing tension before the first rep starts.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutBeginner Strength Program
A simple strength-first plan that keeps the exercise menu small enough to progress consistently.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Barbell Squat To A Bench
Barbell Squat To A Bench is a expert strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseBox Squat with Bands
Box Squat with Bands is a expert powerlifting that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseBox Squat with Chains
Box Squat with Chains is a expert strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseFront Barbell Squat
Front Barbell Squat is a expert strength that mainly trains your legs using barbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Zercher Squats.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Zercher Squats work?
Zercher Squats mainly works the legs. It can also involve glutes depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Zercher Squats beginner-friendly?
It is listed as expert, so newer lifters may want to start lighter or use a simpler variation first.
What equipment do I need for Zercher Squats?
You will usually need Barbell for this variation.
How should I progress Zercher Squats?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
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