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Weighted Wall Sit

Beginner
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Isometric lower body exercise against a wall with added weight that targets quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings to build muscular endurance, stability, and strength; low-impact and joint-friendly.

About Exercise

Equipment

Plates

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Adductors, Abs, Lower Back

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Endurance
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

10/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

6/10

Adductors

4/10

Abs

3/10

Lower Back

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

1-3 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Allow recovery between holds

How to Perform

Stand with your back flat against a sturdy wall, feet hip-width apart and about two steps forward. Slide down until thighs are parallel to the ground at 90-degree angles at hips and knees, then place weight plate on thighs.

  1. Position feet hip-width, two steps from wall.
  2. Slide back down wall, bending knees to 90 degrees.
  3. Ensure knees align over ankles.
  4. Place weight securely on thighs.
  5. Engage core and push through heels.
  6. Hold position steadily.
  7. Slide up to stand when finished.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Back flat against wall
  • Knees over ankles
  • Core engaged tight
  • Weight on heels
  • Shoulders relaxed
  • Gaze forward level

Breathing

Breathe steadily and deeply throughout the hold, bracing your core on each exhale.

Tempo

2-30-2

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel to floor and shins vertical, maintaining 90-degree knee and hip angles; hold without shifting.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or back pain present
  • Use wall for full support
  • Progress weight and time gradually
  • Consult professional for pre-existing conditions
  • Keep neutral spine throughout
  • Stop if discomfort in joints occurs

Spotting

No spotting required; exercise is self-supported against wall with controlled exit.

Common Mistakes

  • Knees past toes
  • Rounding lower back
  • Leaning on hands
  • Shallow hold angle
  • Tensing shoulders
  • Uneven weight distribution

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Hip impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion to 90 degrees

Build Up First

  • Basic squatting form
  • Core stability awareness

Also known as

Weighted Wall Squat, Isometric Weighted Squat Hold

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