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Balance Trainer Knee Up Squats

Intermediate
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Unilateral squat variation on an unstable balance trainer dome that targets quadriceps and glutes to build lower body strength, balance, and core stability; ideal for coordination and functional training.

About Exercise

Equipment

Balance Trainer

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Calves

Popularity Score

4

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning
Mobility

Training Style

Balance Training
Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

10/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Abs

7/10

Transverse Abdominis

Hamstrings

6/10

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Calves

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Recover balance between sides

How to Perform

Place one foot on the center of the balance trainer dome (upside up) and the other foot flat on the floor hip-width apart. Stand tall with core braced and arms at sides.

  1. Lower into a squat by bending knees and hinging hips, keeping weight on dome foot.
  2. Descend until thighs are parallel to ground, chest up and knee over toes.
  3. Drive through dome foot heel to extend hip and knee, rising to stand.
  4. Simultaneously lift floor knee toward chest with slight trunk rotation toward knee.
  5. Lower knee back to floor controlled.
  6. Repeat for reps, then switch sides.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Knee tracks over toes
  • Core tight throughout
  • Drive through heel
  • Upright posture
  • Controlled knee lift

Breathing

Inhale during squat descent; exhale as you drive up and lift knee, maintaining core brace.

Tempo

3-0-2

Range of Motion

Squat from full hip and knee extension at top to thighs parallel at bottom; knee lift to hip height.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Master stable squats first
  • Use support if balance is poor
  • Avoid if acute knee pain
  • Start slow to prevent falls
  • No heavy loads on unstable surface

Spotting

Hold onto stable object or wall for balance support; spotter can assist from side if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Knee caving inward
  • Leaning forward excessively
  • Rushing the ascent
  • Poor balance without brace

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Severe balance issues
  • Lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion mobility

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in bodyweight squats
  • Basic single-leg balance

Also known as

BOSU Knee Up Squat, Unstable Knee Drive Squat, Balance Dome Squat with Knee Lift

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