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Mini Loop Band Squat

Beginner
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A bodyweight squat variation using a mini loop band around the thighs to target quadriceps, glutes, and hip abductors for improved knee stability and lower body strength; commonly used for warm-ups or glute activation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Loop Bands

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Obliques

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

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, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

5/10

Abs

3/10

Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

3/10

Calves

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

10-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Place a mini loop resistance band around your thighs just above the knees. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly outward, core engaged, and back straight.

  1. Hinge at hips and bend knees to lower until thighs are parallel to ground, pushing knees outward against the band.
  2. Pause briefly at the bottom, keeping weight through heels.
  3. Drive through heels to extend hips and knees, squeezing glutes at the top.
  4. Maintain upright torso and knee alignment throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Push knees out against band
  • Drive through heels
  • Keep chest up
  • Squeeze glutes at top

Breathing

Inhale as you descend, exhale as you ascend. Brace your core before starting each rep.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs are parallel to the ground or as deep as mobility allows without form breakdown; fully extend hips and knees at top.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or hip pain present
  • Ensure even weight distribution through feet
  • Stop if discomfort in joints occurs
  • Use lighter band if form breaks

Spotting

Spotting not typically required; beginners can use a chair behind for depth control or hold a stable surface for balance.

Common Mistakes

  • Knees caving inward
  • Rounding lower back
  • Leaning forward excessively
  • Not engaging core

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee pain
  • Hip impingement
  • Lower back issues

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic bodyweight squat form
  • Ability to maintain knee alignment

Also known as

Banded Squat, Glute Band Squat, Booty Band Squat

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