Quad exercises

Assisted Pistol Squat

Also known as: Squat pistol assisté · Πιστόλι με υποβοήθηση · assisted pistol · TRX pistol squat · supported single leg squat

Primary
Quads
Equipment
Bodyweight
Type
Compound
Suggested rest
1 min
 
One side at a time

How to do the Assisted Pistol Squat

  1. Hold onto something sturdy, such as a post or TRX handles, and stand on one leg.

  2. Extend the other leg in front and lower slowly as deep as you can.

  3. Use your arms only as much as you need for balance, keeping your heel down.

  4. Push through your standing leg to rise and switch legs after the set.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–46–151 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add a rep or a harder variation next session.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Quads

Secondary

Glutes

The front of your thighs straightens the knee. Squats, leg presses and lunges with deep knee bend build them; leg extensions isolate them.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Assisted Pistol Squat doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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Bodyweight quad exercises