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Dumbbell Suitcase Squat

Intermediate
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A bilateral squat variation holding dumbbells at your sides that targets quads, glutes, and obliques for lower-body strength and core stability; promotes upright torso and grip endurance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Lower Back, Forearms, Calves

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

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, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Obliques

7/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

4/10

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides with arms straight, palms facing body. Engage core and lift chest.

  1. Push hips back and bend knees to lower body.
  2. Descend until thighs are parallel to floor, keeping dumbbells close to sides.
  3. Maintain neutral spine and knees tracking over toes.
  4. Pause briefly at bottom.
  5. Drive through heels to extend hips and knees, standing tall.
  6. Squeeze glutes at top without locking knees.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up and proud
  • Knees track toes
  • Core braced tight
  • Heels down firm
  • Hips back first

Breathing

Inhale during descent, brace core, and exhale during ascent.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel to floor or slightly below, based on mobility; full stand without knee hyperextension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain or knee instability.
  • Use lighter weights if grip limits form.
  • Ensure stable footing to prevent slipping.
  • Do not descend below mobility allows to avoid strain.

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; use safety pins in rack if available for heavier loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding lower back
  • Knees caving inward
  • Leaning forward excessively
  • Gripping too tightly causing tension
  • Hyperextending knees at top

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Knee joint instability
  • Shoulder impingement affecting grip

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for depth
  • Hip mobility for upright torso
  • Shoulder flexion for neutral arm position

Build Up First

  • Basic squat form proficiency
  • Core bracing competency
  • Grip strength for holding weights

Also known as

Suitcase Squat, Double Dumbbell Squat, Side-Hold Squat

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