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Balance Trainer Lateral Dome Squats

Intermediate
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Unilateral squat on a BOSU dome with lateral step that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings to build lower body strength and stability; enhances balance and coordination through instability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Balance Trainer

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Adductors, Abs, Calves, Obliques, Lower Back

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Stability
Conditioning
Strength

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

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris

Adductors

4/10

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Calves

3/10

Obliques

3/10

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Place BOSU dome-side up on a non-slip surface. Stand with both feet on the dome in a narrow stance, chest up, core braced.

  1. Step one foot laterally to the floor while keeping the other on the dome.
  2. Lower hips into a squat, bending the knee over the toes on the floor foot.
  3. Keep chest upright and maintain balance on the dome.
  4. Press through the floor foot to return to the dome.
  5. Step back with the other foot and repeat on opposite side.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight
  • Knees track toes
  • Chest up
  • Control step
  • Balance first

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the squat; exhale as you press back to start. Brace core throughout.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs are parallel to floor or as deep as balance allows; fully extend hips and knees at top without locking.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute ankle or knee injury
  • Step off if losing balance
  • Keep movements controlled
  • Ensure stable surface
  • Progress gradually from stable squats

Spotting

No spotter needed; use wall for support if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Knees caving in
  • Leaning forward
  • Rushing transition
  • Poor core engagement
  • Uneven weight distribution

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury
  • Severe balance issues
  • Recent ankle sprain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic bodyweight squat
  • Familiarity with unstable surfaces

Also known as

BOSU Lateral Dome Squat, Balance Dome Side Squat, BOSU Unilateral Squat

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