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Exercise guide

Weighted Jump Squat

How to do the Weighted Jump Squat with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundBarbellIntermediatePush
Primary muscles

Quads

Secondary

Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back

Equipment

Barbell

Step by step

How to do the Weighted Jump Squat

  1. 1

    Position a lightly loaded barbell across the back of your shoulders. You could also use a weighted vest, sandbag, or other type of resistance for this exercise.

  2. 2

    The weight should be light enough that it doesn't slow you down significantly. Your feet should be just outside of shoulder width with your head and chest up. This will be your starting position.

  3. 3

    Using a countermovement, squat partially down and immediately reverse your direction to explode off of the ground, extending through your hips, knees, and ankles. Maintain good posture throughout the jump.

  4. 4

    As you return to the ground, absorb the impact through your legs.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Weighted Jump Squat set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your quads volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More quads exercises

FAQ

Weighted Jump Squat: common questions

What muscles does the Weighted Jump Squat work?

The Weighted Jump Squat primarily works the Quads. It also recruits the Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings and Lower Back as supporting muscles.

Is the Weighted Jump Squat suitable for beginners?

The Weighted Jump Squat is an intermediate-level exercise. It's best once you've built a base of general strength and movement control, beginners can work up to it.

What equipment do I need for the Weighted Jump Squat?

To do the Weighted Jump Squat you'll need a barbell.

Is the Weighted Jump Squat a compound or isolation exercise?

The Weighted Jump Squat is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the Weighted Jump Squat with correct form?

Position a lightly loaded barbell across the back of your shoulders. You could also use a weighted vest, sandbag, or other type of resistance for this exercise. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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