Lateral Squat

Lateral Squat is a squat pattern that develops lower-body strength while the hips, knees, and ankles flex together.

Primary muscle

Upper Legs

Primary musclesQuadriceps, Gluteus maximus

Secondary musclesHip adductors, Hamstrings, Gluteus medius, Calves

Equipment

Bodyweight

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How to perform Lateral Squat

Follow the sequence in order, paying attention to the starting position, movement path, and finish described in each step.

Take a wide stance with both feet planted and toes mostly forward.
Shift the hips toward one side as that knee bends and tracks with the toes.
Keep the opposite leg long and its foot planted while the torso inclines only enough to stay balanced.
Reach the deepest side position that keeps the working heel down and pelvis controlled.
Drive through the bent-leg foot to return to the centre, then repeat evenly on the other side.

Common Lateral Squat mistakes

Knees caving inward

Keep each knee moving in the same direction as the toes instead of letting it fall inward.

Foot pressure shifting

Maintain the heel and both sides of the forefoot; shorten the range if the heels lift or balance rolls to the toes.

Chest and hips separating

Brace before descending and drive the hips and chest upward together rather than letting one shoot up first.

Forcing depth

Use the deepest range that preserves balance and trunk control instead of chasing depth after the pelvis or spine changes position.

When to modify or choose another exercise

Knees caving inward: Keep each knee moving in the same direction as the toes instead of letting it fall inward.
Chest and hips separating: Brace before descending and drive the hips and chest upward together rather than letting one shoot up first.
Stop when the exercise produces sharp, catching, radiating, or increasing joint pain rather than the expected muscular effort.
Alternative Supported box squat: Use a stable box and light hand support to learn balance, knee tracking, and repeatable depth.

How to use Lateral Squat in a training program

Where it fits in a session

Use Lateral Squat early in a workout focused on upper legs, or early in a full-body workout, when strength or technical progress is the priority; place it later when it supplies secondary volume.

How often to use it

Use one to three times per week as part of training the relevant muscle groups at least twice weekly; the same exercise does not need to appear in every session.

Starting rep ranges by goal

Goal	Sets	Reps or time	Rest	Effort and execution
Strength	2–4	3–6	2–4 min	Heavy, usually 2–3 clean reps in reserve
Muscle growth	2–4	6–12	90–180 sec	Usually 1–3 clean reps in reserve

Pairing and sequencing

Follow Lateral Squat with Romanian Deadlifts or Bulgarian Split Squats to add hamstring, glute, or one-leg work.
Seated Calf Raises can also be paired later in the session without competing with squat technique.

Scale the movement