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Resistance Band Split Squat

Intermediate
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Unilateral lower body exercise using a resistance band in a staggered stance that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings to build strength, stability, and balance; scalable by band tension or foot elevation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Calves, Abs, Lower Back, Adductors

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

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

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius, Soleus

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Adductors

3/10

Adductor Longus, Adductor Magnus

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand in a staggered stance with one foot forward and the other back 2-3 feet. Place a loop band under the front foot's arch and hold the ends at shoulder height or drape over shoulders.

  1. Bend both knees to lower your body straight down.
  2. Lower until front thigh is parallel to the ground and back knee hovers above the floor.
  3. Keep front knee over ankle and back leg vertical.
  4. Pause briefly at the bottom.
  5. Drive through front heel to extend knees and hips back to start.
  6. Maintain upright torso and core engagement throughout.
  7. Switch legs after reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Core tight
  • Knee tracks toes
  • Drive through heel
  • Stay balanced

Breathing

Inhale as you lower, exhale as you drive up while bracing your core.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh is parallel to floor and back knee nearly touches ground; fully extend hips and knees at top without locking.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee pain exists
  • Use lighter band if balance is poor
  • Do not force depth causing discomfort
  • Ensure band is secure
  • Stop if lower back strain occurs

Spotting

No spotter needed; use lighter band or support for balance if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Front knee past toes
  • Leaning forward
  • Incomplete depth
  • Band slipping
  • Uneven stance

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injury
  • Hip instability
  • Lower back pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Ankle dorsiflexion for depth
  • Hip flexion range

Build Up First

  • Master bodyweight split squat
  • Basic lunge form

Also known as

Banded Split Squat, Band Split Squat, Loop Band Split Squat

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