10 Best Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge Alternatives for Quad Strength

Ranked Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

1. Best match

   

   1. One Leg Barbell Squat

   93% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Advanced
   • Compound

   It uses the same equipment and still works the quads.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start by standing about 2 to 3 feet in front of a flat bench with your back facing the bench. Have a barbell in front of you on the floor. Tip: Your feet should be shoulder width apart from each other.
   2. Bend the knees and use a pronated grip with your hands being wider than shoulder width apart from each other to lift the barbell up until you can rest it on your chest.
   3. Then lift the barbell over your head and rest it on the base of your neck. Move one foot back so that your toe is resting on the flat bench. Your other foot should be stationary in front of you. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. Tip: Make sure your back is straight and chest is out while performing this exercise.
   4. As you inhale, slowly lower your leg until your thigh is parallel to the floor. At this point, your knee should be over your toes. Your chest should be directly above the middle of your thigh.
   5. Leading with the chest and hips and contracting the quadriceps, elevate your leg back to the starting position as you exhale.
   6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
   7. Switch legs and repeat the movement.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
2. Play demonstration

   2. Barbell Split Squat

   92% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the quads.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell across your upper back.
   2. Take a large step forward with your right foot, keeping your torso upright.
   3. Lower your body by bending your knees and hips until your right thigh is parallel to the ground.
   4. Pause for a moment, then push through your right heel to return to the starting position.
   5. Repeat with your left leg forward for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
3. Play demonstration

   3. Barbell Side Split Squat

   88% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outward.
   2. Hold a barbell across your upper back, resting it on your traps.
   3. Engage your core and keep your chest up as you lower your body down into a squat position, bending at the knees and hips.
   4. As you lower, push your knees out to the sides and keep your weight on your heels.
   5. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
   6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
4. 

   4. Smith Single-leg Split Squat

   81% match

   • Quads
   • Smith-machine
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   A good swap when you have a Smith machine to work with, and it still works the quads.

   How to perform this exercise

   1. To begin, place a flat bench 2-3 feet behind the smith machine. Then, set the bar on the height that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
   2. Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side (palms facing forward), unlock it and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
   3. Position your legs by placing one foot slightly forward under the bar and extending your other leg back and place the top of your foot on the bench. This will be your starting position
   4. Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knee as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calf becomes slightly less than 90-degrees (which is the point in which the upper legs are below parallel to the floor). Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knee should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knee is past that imaginary line (if it is past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
   5. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten your leg again and go back to the starting position.
   6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
   7. Switch legs and repeat the movement.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps on each side.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: a machine, not free weights
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
5. 

   5. Squat With Bands

   81% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Set up the bands on the sleeves, secured to either band pegs, the rack, or dumbbells so that there is appropriate tension.
   2. Begin by stepping under the bar and placing it across the back of the shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and rotate your elbows forward, attempting to bend the bar across your shoulders. Remove the bar from the rack, creating a tight arch in your lower back, and step back into position. Place your feet wide for more emphasis on the back, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings. Keep your head facing forward.
   3. With your back, shoulders, and core tight, push your knees and butt out and you begin your descent. Sit back with your hips as much as possible. Ideally, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground. Lower bar position necessitates a greater torso lean to keep the bar over the heels. Continue until you break parallel, which is defined as the crease of the hip being in line with the top of the knee.
   4. Keeping the weight on your heels and pushing your feet and knees out, drive upward as you lead the movement with your head. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe, until you have returned to the starting position.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
6. 

   6. Squat With Chains

   81% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. To set up the chains, begin by looping the leader chain over the sleeves of the bar. The heavy chain should be attached using a snap hook. Adjust the length of the lead chain so that a few links are still on the floor at the top of the movement.
   2. Begin by stepping under the bar and placing it across the back of the shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and rotate your elbows forward, attempting to bend the bar across your shoulders. Remove the bar from the rack, creating a tight arch in your lower back, and step back into position. Place your feet wide for more emphasis on the back, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings. Keep your head facing forward.
   3. With your back, shoulders, and core tight, push your knees and butt out and you begin your descent. Sit back with your hips as much as possible. Ideally, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground. Lower bar position necessitates a greater torso lean to keep the bar over the heels. Continue until you break parallel, which is defined as the crease of the hip being in line with the top of the knee.
   4. Keeping the weight on your heels and pushing your feet and knees out, drive upward as you lead the movement with your head. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe, until you have returned to the starting position.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
7. 

   7. Squat With Plate Movers

   81% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. To begin, first set the bar on a rack to just below shoulder level. Position a weight plate on the ground a couple feet back from the rack. Once the bar is loaded, step under it and place the back of your shoulders across it.
   2. Hold on to the bar with both hands and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straighten your torso.
   3. Step away from the rack and adopt a wide stance with the toes slightly pointed out, with one foot on the weight plate. Keep your head up at all times. This will be your starting position.
   4. Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and hips. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees.
   5. Raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heels of your feet as you extend the hips and knees.
   6. At the top of the movement, side step, bringing your feet together on the opposite side of the plate.
   7. Using your inside foot, push the weight plate, sliding it across the floor to where you were just standing.
   8. Place your inside foot on the weight plate, adopting a wide stance for the next repetition.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
8. Play demonstration

   8. Squat Jerk

   80% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Advanced
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. Start with the barbell resting on your shoulders, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
   2. Lower your body into a squat position, keeping your chest up and your knees tracking over your toes.
   3. As you reach the bottom of the squat, explosively drive through your legs and push the barbell overhead.
   4. As the barbell reaches its peak, quickly drop into a split position, with one foot forward and one foot back.
   5. Catch the barbell overhead with your arms fully extended and your back knee slightly touching the ground.
   6. Stand up from the split position, bringing your feet back together.
   7. Lower the barbell back to your shoulders and repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
9. 

   9. Barbell Squat

   80% match

   • Quads
   • Barbell
   • Intermediate
   • Compound

   How to perform this exercise

   1. This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack to just below shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
   2. Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
   3. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section).
   4. Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
   5. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
   6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

   Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

   Why this matches

   • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
   • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
10. 

    10. Speed Squats

    80% match

    • Quads
    • Barbell
    • Intermediate
    • Compound

    How to perform this exercise

    1. This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.
    2. Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
    3. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances discussed in the foot stances section).
    4. Begin to lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until the angle between the upper leg and the calves becomes slightly less than 90-degrees (which is the point in which the upper legs are below parallel to the floor). Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: If you performed the exercise correctly, the front of the knees should make an imaginary straight line with the toes that is perpendicular to the front. If your knees are past that imaginary line (if they are past your toes) then you are placing undue stress on the knee and the exercise has been performed incorrectly.
    5. Begin to raise the bar as fast as possible without involving momentum as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel of your foot mainly as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position. Note: You should perform these exercises as fast as possible but without breaking perfect form and without involving momentum.
    6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches

    • Primary muscle: quads, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
    • Equipment: free weights, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge
    • Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Barbell Squat Jump Step Rear Lunge