‘The Godfather of Bodybuilding, ‘ Charles Glass, has proven strategies for building the lower body. On Feb. 8, 2026, via Instagram, he broke down how to belt squat for muscle growth without ego lifting.
“You want growth? Take the ego out. Belt squat forces contraction, not momentum. Master the movement, the size follows. 🦵🏾🔥”
Glass remains one of the most sought-after bodybuilding trainers in the IFBB Pro League. Over decades, he’s helped elite-caliber talent reach their full potential, including Dennis James, Kai Greene, Dexter Jackson, and the late Shawn Rhoden.
His grasp of body mechanics, rooted in his gymnastics background, gives him a unique edge inside the gym. Leg training can demand more effort than other muscle groups, leading Glass to lay out how to use the belt squat safely for adding size.
Charles Glass Shares How to Belt Squat for Muscle Growth: ‘Take the Ego Out’
In the Instagram reel, Glass laid out a few basic instructions for mastering the belt squat, which you can find below:
- Drive the Hips Forward
- Keep Toes Pointed Slightly Out
- Keep Hips Back and Pull Forward
Glass emphasized the importance of depth during belt squats. He explained that driving the hips forward puts more work on the glutes instead of the quads.
“It’s a belt squat, all we’re doing is getting really good depth on it. Drive the hips forward to put more pressure on the glutes and minimal on your quads. Just a touch,” he shared. “A good polish. Toes slightly out, hips back, and pull forward.”
From superset-focused regimens to highlighting common workout mistakes, he’s built a massive following online. Glass hasn’t just helped retired IFBB Pros from past eras; he’s shaped active competitors. Before the 2025 Bikini Olympia, he guided former champion Lauralie Chapados on her back day. He provided tips to help her maximize mind-muscle connection.
Glass also revealed a gripping technique to capitalize on gym gains.
“When you’re pulling, you want to feel what you’re pulling. You want to feel it in your grip. Try to keep it out of the forearm. Don’t lock it down. Don’t overgrip, just enough so the fingers don’t come out. Just by touching one finger, you got to lock it in.”
Glass believes the belt squat forces contractions and minimizes momentum. When performed properly, he credits it as an effective option for lower body growth.
RELATED: Charles Glass Reveals His 5 Favorite Ab Exercises That Shape the Core and Build ‘Real Definition’
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