How to do a Handle Band Squat
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Handle Band Squat
Workouts with Handle Band Squat
Instructions for Proper Form
Incorporating a handle band into squats adds resistance to the standard squat movement, targeting the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. This variation increases lower body strength and stability, offering a versatile and effective workout accessible anywhere.
- Stand upright with your feet shoulder width apart and a resistance band underneath the middle of both feet holding the handles so that your palms are facing forward at shoulder height.
- Bend your knees and press your hips backward to lower yourself into a squat ending with your torso being parallel with your shins.
- Straighten your knees to return to the starting position.
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Alternative Exercises to Handle Band Squat
1. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 789 TIMESAir Squats are a bodyweight variation of Squats. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. Without any added resistance this is easily one of the most beginner friendly exercises out there. It’s a great way to start building strength, and working your way towards more advanced variations.
- Beginner
- Quads
2. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 451 TIMESDumbbell Squat is a variation of the more standard Squat. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The advantage of using dumbbells rather than a barbell is that you have more freedom in your range of motion which can make this a more accessible variation for anyone with mobility limitations. With that freedom comes a bit more instability with this exercise though, which can help you further improve your squat for, and build the strength needed for heavier, or more complex variations.
3. Side Lunge
79.4 mSCORESWAPPED 247 TIMESSide Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other Lunge variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. By stepping to the side instead of forward or backwards, you can further recruit smaller muscles around your hips like your Adductors (the muscle that brings your legs together).
- Beginner
- Quads
4. Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press
98.1 mSCORESWAPPED 216 TIMESDumbbell Squat to Shoulder Press is a combination of a Dumbbell Squat and a Shoulder Press. Both pieces of this exercise are compound movements that primarily target the quads and shoulders respectively. Combining these two movements is more than just the sum of its parts. It’s a very functional movement that has tons of practical applications, especially for sports. It’s also a great starting point for anyone looking to build the strength and conditioning needed for more explosive exercises like Thrusters, or eventually Olympic lifts.
5. Mini Loop Band Squat
34.1 mSCORESWAPPED 208 TIMESMini Loop Band Squat is a bodyweight variation of Squats. Like other Squat variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. By placing a mini loop band around both legs, just above the knee, you’re forced to recruit additional smaller muscles to help keep your knees from collapsing inwards. This can be a great exercise for working towards heavier squat variations, or as a way to fine tune your form.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Mini Loop Bands
6. Dumbbell Lunge
97.6 mSCORESWAPPED 206 TIMESDumbbell Lunge is a variation on the more standard Lunge. Similar to other Lunge variations, Dumbbell Lunge is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quads. The exercise itself is the same as a standard lunge except for the added weight from holding dumbbells in each hand. This is a great variation for anyone looking to make their lunges a bit more challenging without adding more complexity to the movement.
7. Lunge
90.8 mSCORESWAPPED 200 TIMESLunges are one of the most common lower body exercises out there. It’s a compound exercise that primarily targets your quads. In order to return to a standing position with this exercise you need to engage your quads in order to push yourself back up. This further emphasizes your quadriceps compared to other Lunge variations, however this also places more tension on your knee. By stepping forward with a single leg taking most of the load, you can more easily identify, and address any discrepancies in mobility or strength between sides.
- Beginner
- Quads
8. Dumbbell Thruster
62.6 mSCORESWAPPED 196 TIMESAdapts the traditional Thruster to use dumbbells, offering greater range of motion and requiring more stabilization. This variation targets the legs, shoulders, and core, improving overall strength, balance, and mobility. Suitable for individuals at all fitness levels, the Dumbbell Thruster is perfect for home workouts or when seeking to add variety to full-body training.
9. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 195 TIMESLeg Extensions are an isolation exercise that target the quads. Due to a severe lack of isolation movements for the lower body, this is a great option for specifically targeting your quadriceps. The use of a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds some stability to the movement. This can help your focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement. The downside to this exercise is that it places a lot of tension on your knee. Keep your weights light, and focus on pausing near the end of your range of motion.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Extension Machine
10. Dumbbell Sumo Squat
81 mSCORESWAPPED 144 TIMESA squat exercise performed with dumbbells, in a wide-legged stance to target the legs and glutes.