Wall Squat
Level
intermediate
Force
static
Mechanic
compound
Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
An isometric leg exercise performed against a wall that builds quadriceps, hamstring, and glute strength through sustained contraction.
Instructions
- Stand with your back flat against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart and 12-18 inches away from the wall.
- Slide down the wall by bending your knees until your thighs are parallel to the ground, with hips and knees at 90-degree angles.
- Keep your back, head, and shoulders pressed firmly against the wall.
- Cross your arms in front of your chest or place hands on your thighs.
- Hold this position for the prescribed duration (starting with 15-30 seconds).
- Push through your heels to slide back up the wall to the starting position.
Tips
- Ensure your knees remain directly above your ankles and don’t extend past your toes.
- Maintain an upright torso and avoid letting your hips drop lower than parallel.
- Tighten your core and leg muscles to hold the position without sliding down.
- Breathe steadily throughout the hold—never hold your breath.
- To increase difficulty, place a medicine ball between your knees and squeeze it.
- For added resistance, hold dumbbells at your sides or place a weight plate on your lap.
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 | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Gain strength | 3 | 15 s |
| Build muscle | 3 | 25 s |
| Build endurance | 3 | 35 s |