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Pendulum Squat

Overall lower body, hip up
Pendulum Squat gif
Targets: Glutes, Quads, Hamstring, Inner thighs

About

It's a workout that allows you to sit deep in the squat. The deeper you sit, the more you can use both your thighs and hip joints!

How to Pendulum Squat

Starting Position

1. Get on the pendulum squat machine and firmly secure your shoulders against the shoulder pads.

2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart, slightly turn your toes outward, hold the handles, and puff out your chest.

Proper Form

1. Slowly lower yourself down into a deep squat by bending your knees and hips together.

2. When your thighs are parallel to the floor or lower, please pause for a moment.

3. Push the floor with the entire foot to straighten your legs and slowly rise back to the starting position.

Breathing Technique

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

Precautions

1. Please be careful not to let your knees come too far inward or your toes extend too much.

2. Engage your core to prevent your back from excessively bending or twisting, and start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form rather than a very heavy one.

From the Community

Pendulum Squat Community

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Pendulum Squat Related Reading

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    Progressive Overload Is the Only Variable That Actually Guarantees Muscle Growth.

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  • Workout duration doesn't predict muscle growth — sets do, per a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies
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    Workout duration doesn't predict muscle growth — sets do, per a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies

    Stop watching the clock. Muscle growth comes down to sets per workout, not minutes on the floor — according to a 2020 meta-analysis of 111 studies.

  • Squat vs. leg press: the muscle gains are the same when volume matches, per a 2025 RCT of 70 women
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    Squat vs. leg press: the muscle gains are the same when volume matches, per a 2025 RCT of 70 women

    Squat vs. leg press: which builds more muscle? When sets and reps are matched, growth is virtually identical — according to a 2025 RCT of 70 trained women.

Curious about a Leg workout plan that includes the Pendulum Squat

Pendulum Squat Alternatives

Barbell Squat

Barbell Squat

Leg Extension

Leg Extension

More

Pendulum Squat vs

  • Pendulum Squat vs Barbell Squat
  • Pendulum Squat vs Lunge
  • Pendulum Squat vs Leg press

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