How to do a Zercher Squat
Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
Barbells
Squat Rack
Workouts with Zercher Squat
Target muscles worked
Instructions for Proper Form
Zercher Squat is a variation of the more standard Front Squat. Similar to Front Squats, this compound exercise primarily targets your quads. Unlike other squat variations, this exercise requires you to hold the barbell in the crook of your arm. This is a great way to mimic some functional applications that other squat variations may not. In addition this exercise can improve back and lower back strength to help improve other types of squats.
- Rack the barbell to just underneath chest height. Rest the bar between your forearm and bicep by flexing your elbows around the bar and clasping your hands.
- Lift the barbell and step back placing your feet just outside shoulder-width apart and slightly angled outward.
- Keep your weight evenly distributed through your feet.
- Begin to descend by reaching your hips slightly back.
- Your knees should track outward over your second toe and slightly forward as you descend while keeping your core braced to maintain an upright torso.
- You should continue to descend to a deep enough depth that allows you spine to remain neutral before extending back to the starting position.
Common Form Mistakes
Weak Hip Hinge
The hip hinge is a crucial part of the squat. Make sure you’re dropping your hips back first, and then bending your knees to drop into your squat. The same is true on the way up. Make sure you’re driving your hips forward, not just extending your legs.
Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator
Average Zercher Squat standards by male, female, weight, age and height
Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.
- beginner8reps45lbs1 Rep Max55lbs
- intermediate8reps55lbs70lbs
- advanced8reps70lbs90lbs
Enter your stats to calculate your Reps & Weight
Alternatives & Variations to Zercher Squat
1. Back Squat
99.3 mSCORESWAPPED 105 TIMESBack Squat is one of the three Powerlifting movements, and one of the most common lower body exercises. It’s a great compound exercise that can help build strength and muscle mass in your leg, especially your quadriceps. It’s a staple in most fitness programs, and is often used as a metric for tracking lower body strength in general.
2. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 47 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.
3. Front Squat
93.4 mSCORESWAPPED 47 TIMESFront Squat is one of the most common variations of the more standard Back Squat. Like other squat variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets your quadriceps. By racking the bar in front of your body instead of behind, you can further emphasize your quads. While the movements are fairly similar, Front Squat may translate better to applications in sports and other real world activities.
4. Leg Press
99.7 mSCORESWAPPED 36 TIMESLeg Press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The exercise itself is fairly similar to a standard squat, with some key differences. The biggest of these differences is the added stability from supporting your back on the Leg Press Machine. The end result of these changes is a more stable movement that further emphasizes your quadriceps. Leg Press is an excellent exercise for anyone looking to build muscle mass or strength in their quads.
5. Hack Squat
90.1 mSCORESWAPPED 30 TIMESHack Squat is a variation of squats that utilizes a specific machine to add resistance. Like other squat variations, this exercise primarily targets your quads. The use of a machine can assist you by redistricting your range of motion more than with the use of free weights, as well as adds more stability to the movement.
6. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 30 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.
7. Dumbbell Goblet Squat
87.9 mSCORESWAPPED 24 TIMESDumbbell Goblet Squat is a variation on the more standard Front Squat. Like other squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quadriceps. Goblet squats are beneficial because they require less upper body mobility in order to keep the weight in the proper position compared to using a barbell.
8. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 24 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.