How to do a Loop Band Bulgarian Split Squat
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Loop Band Bulgarian Split Squat
Box
Loop Bands
Workouts with Loop Band Bulgarian Split Squat
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Loop Band Bulgarian Split Squat is a variation on the more standard Bulgarian Split Squat. Similar to other variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quads. The use of a loop band increases resistance as you progress through the movement, particularly emphasizing the quads at the top. This variation can help highlight and address any strength imbalances between sides while also enhancing muscle activation.
- Secure a loop band around your neck
- Wrap the other end of the band under one foot.
- Balance on one leg and put your other foot down on top of the bench.
- Keep your chest up and slowly bend your front knee. Stop bending once your back knee approaches the ground or when you reach the end of your range of motion.
- Keep your core engaged for stability and your chest up.
- Engage your quads to extend your leg and return to a standing position.
- Switch legs and repeat.
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Generate My PlanAlternative Exercises to Loop Band Bulgarian Split Squat
1. Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat
91.4 mSCORESWAPPED 180 TIMESDumbbell Bulgarian Split Squat is a weighted variation of a Bulgarian Split Squat. Like other Bulgarian Split Squats, this exercise is a compound movement that primarily targets your quads. The use of dumbbells allows you to add more resistance to this exercise, without restricting your range of motion and posture as much as using a barbell.
2. Bodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat
46.9 mSCORESWAPPED 131 TIMESBodyweight Bulgarian Split Squat is a compound exercise that’s somewhere between a Squat and a Lunge. It primarily targets your quads. By placing your back leg on a flat bench, you add some instability to the movement, while also further emphasizing your quadriceps. This is a great exercise for developing strength, power, and stability in your lower body without any additional weight.
- Intermediate
- Quads
- Flat Bench
3. Dumbbell Lunge
97.6 mSCORESWAPPED 107 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.
4. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 102 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
5. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 85 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.
6. Bulgarian Split Squat
91.2 mSCORESWAPPED 64 TIMESBulgarian Split Squat is a compound exercise that’s somewhere between a Squat and a Lunge. It’s a compound exercise that primarily targets your quads. By placing your back leg on a flat bench, you add some instability to the movement, while also further emphasizing your quadriceps. This is a great exercise for developing strength, power and stability in your lower body.
7. Dual Kettlebell Front Squat
64.2 mSCORESWAPPED 54 TIMESDual Kettlebell Front Squat is a variation on the more standard Front Squat. Like other Front Squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. The use of kettlebells can make this exercise more accessible for anyone with limitations in upper body mobility. This is a great exercise for working your way towards performing a standard Front Squat.
- Intermediate
- Quads
- Kettlebells
8. Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press
98.1 mSCORESWAPPED 49 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.
9. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 48 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
10. Lunge
90.8 mSCORESWAPPED 40 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