V-Squat

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

A machine-based squat exercise that provides a V-shaped guided path, reducing lower back strain while building leg strength.

Instructions

  1. Step into the V-squat machine and position your shoulders under the padded supports.
  2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart on the platform.
  3. Keep your chest up and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
  4. Descend by bending at the knees and hips, lowering your body until your thighs reach approximately parallel to the floor.
  5. Push through your heels and extend your knees and hips to return to the starting position.
  6. Maintain contact with the padded supports for stability and control.
  7. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • The V-shaped path provides guided movement and reduces lower back stress.
  • Keep your weight centered on your heels throughout the lift.
  • Maintain an upright torso and avoid excessive forward lean.
  • Control the descent for 2-3 seconds and drive powerfully back up.
  • Start with lighter weight to establish proper form before increasing load.
  • The machine design is excellent for deload training or when dealing with lower back issues.
  • Higher reps (12-15) work well for building leg endurance and muscular development.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 39 kg 27 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 35 kg 25 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 26 kg 18 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Bulgarian Split Squat (Smith Machine)

Learn more about bulgarian split squat (smith machine)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
expert strength

Front Foot Elevated Split Squat (Trap Bar)

Learn more about front foot elevated split squat (trap bar)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
expert strength
beginner strength
expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Sumo Squat with Hip Abduction (Band)

Learn more about sumo squat with hip abduction (band)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength