Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog
Planfit Logo
  • Exercises
  • Community
  • Blog
  • Sign in

Barbell Overhead Squat

Barbell Overhead Squat gif

About

This advanced full-body move has you squatting with a barbell overhead, challenging your legs, core, and shoulder stability.

How to Barbell Overhead Squat

Starting Position

1. Grab the barbell wide and lift it above your head, extending your arms straight.

2. Position your feet shoulder-width apart, with your toes slightly pointed outward.

3. Open your chest and align the barbell so that it is vertical above your head.

Proper Form

1. Push your hips back and slowly lower yourself into a squat by bending your knees.

2. Aim to lower yourself only until your thighs are parallel to the ground.

3. Keep the barbell from shifting forward or backward by maintaining a vertical position with your arms and core.

4. Push through your heels to rise back up to the starting position.

Breathing Technique

Breathe in while going down, and breathe out while standing up.

Precautions

1. If you lack shoulder and hip mobility, practice first with a light bar or PVC.

2. Please pay attention to alignment to prevent the knees from caving in.

3. If the barbell collapses, stop and set it upright immediately, and do not lift excessive weight.

From the Community

Share your experience, ask questions, and get tips from other athletes.

Barbell Overhead Squat Community

Join the Community →

Barbell Overhead Squat Related Reading

  • 10 sets per muscle group per week is probably enough — here's the number that actually matters.
    Numbers Don't Lie

    10 sets per muscle group per week is probably enough — here's the number that actually matters.

    Most lifters chase 20+ sets per muscle group. The research says you can grow on far less — and more isn't always better, according to a 2024 Sports Med meta-analysis.

  • 3 minutes beats 1 minute — and the data on rest periods is clearer than you think.
    Numbers Don't Lie

    3 minutes beats 1 minute — and the data on rest periods is clearer than you think.

    Resting longer between sets builds more strength and likely more muscle. Here's exactly how long to rest, according to a 2024 Bayesian meta-analysis and two RCTs.

  • Creatine is not bad for your heart — in fact, phosphocreatine cut all-cause mortality by 29% across 3,400 cardiac patients in a 2016 meta-analysis of 41 trials
    Myths Busted

    Creatine is not bad for your heart — in fact, creatine cut mortality in a 2016 meta-analysis

    Think creatine damages your heart? The opposite is true. Here's what the cardiac research actually shows, per a meta-analysis of 41 controlled trials.

  • Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis
    What Actually Matters

    Full-body vs. split training: muscle and strength gains are the same — per a 2024 meta-analysis

    Full-body or split? For muscle growth and strength, the answer is neither — they're equal, per a 2024 J Strength Cond Res meta-analysis of 14 studies.

  • Cardio before or after weights: why the order depends on your goal
    What Actually Matters

    Cardio before or after weights: why the order depends on your goal

    Do cardio before or after lifting? The answer depends entirely on your goal. Here's what the interference effect and a 2024 meta-analysis of 23 RCTs actually say.

  • The Anabolic Window Is a Myth.
    Myths Busted

    The Anabolic Window Is a Myth.

    You don't need to slam a protein shake the second you rack the bar. Here's what the research actually says about post-workout nutrition timing, according to two landmark reviews.

Curious about a Leg workout plan that includes the Barbell Overhead Squat

Barbell Overhead Squat Alternatives

Barbell Squat

Barbell Squat

Lunge

Lunge

More

Get Personalized Plans
and More detailed guidance with Planfit

Banner Image
Planfit Logo

Copyright ⓒ 2026 Planfit Inc.

InstagramReddit
Exercise Guide
AI Workout Generator
Free Workout Plans
Privacy policy
Terms of Use
Blog