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Resistance Band Squat to Press

Intermediate
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A full-body compound exercise combining a squat with an overhead press using a resistance band, targeting quads, shoulders, glutes, and core to build strength, power, and coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Obliques, Calves

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
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

Shoulders

9/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Triceps

6/10

Lateral Head

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

4/10

External Obliques

Calves

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand on the center of a resistance band with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out. Hold band ends at shoulder height with palms forward and elbows elevated.

  1. Brace core and inhale.
  2. Push hips back and bend knees to lower until thighs parallel to floor.
  3. Drive through heels to extend hips and knees while standing.
  4. Simultaneously press band overhead until arms fully extended.
  5. Lower band to shoulders with control.
  6. Repeat sequence.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hips back first
  • Knees track toes
  • Core tight throughout
  • Press fully overhead
  • Chest up tall

Breathing

Inhale during squat descent; exhale during ascent and press.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel to floor; press arms fully extended overhead with ears aligned.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect band for damage before use
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Avoid knee valgus
  • Stop if joint pain occurs
  • Use appropriate band tension

Spotting

No spotter required; perform in open space and use lighter band if balance is an issue.

Common Mistakes

  • Weak hip hinge
  • Rounding back
  • Knees caving in
  • Lack of core engagement
  • Incomplete arm extension

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Shoulder overhead mobility

Build Up First

  • Mastery of basic squat form
  • Familiarity with overhead press

Also known as

Band Squat Press, Resistance Band Thruster

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