Jefferson Squats

A intermediate strength exercise for the quads, done with a barbell.

Main muscles: Quads
Also works: Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower back and Upper back
Equipment: Barbell
Level: Intermediate
Type: Compound
Movement: Push

How to do the Jefferson Squats

Place a barbell on the floor.
Stand in the middle of the bar length wise.
Bend down by bending at the knees and keeping your back straight and grasp the front of the bar with your right hand. Your palm should be in (neutral grip) facing the left side.
Grasp the rear of the bar with your left hand. The palm of your hand should be in neutral grip alignment (palms facing the right side). Tip: Ensure that your grip is even on the bar. Your torso should be positioned right in the middle of the bar and the distance between your torso and your right hand (which should be at the front) should be the same as the distance between your torso and your left hand (which should be to your back).
Now stand straight up with the weight. Tip: Your feet should be shoulder width apart and your toes slightly pointed out.
Squat down by bending at the knees and keeping your back straight until your upper thighs are parallel with the floor. Tip: Keep your back as vertical as possible with the floor and your head up. Also remember to not let your knees go past your toes. Inhale during this portion of the movement.
Now drive yourself back up to the starting position by pushing with the feet . Tip: Keep the bar hanging at arm's length and your elbows locked with a slight bend. The arms only serve as hooks. Avoid doing any lifting with them. Do the lifting with your thighs; not your arms.

Sets and reps

Strength	3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes
Muscle	3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes
Endurance or fat loss	2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds

Log every set in MyoStats and it works out your estimated one-rep max and suggests the next weight or rep target, so you keep progressing without guessing.

Alternatives to the Jefferson Squats

Questions

What muscles does the Jefferson Squats work?

Mainly the quads, with the calves, glutes, hamstrings, lower back and upper back helping.

Is the Jefferson Squats good for beginners?

It's rated intermediate. Beginners can build up to it with a simpler variation first.

What can I do instead of the Jefferson Squats?

Good alternatives that train the quads: Barbell Full Squat, Barbell Hack Squat, Barbell Lunge or Barbell Step Ups.

How many sets and reps of the Jefferson Squats should I do?

Strength: 3–5 sets of 3–5 reps, rest 2–3 minutes. Muscle: 3–4 sets of 6–10 reps, rest about 2 minutes. Endurance or fat loss: 2–3 sets of 12–15 reps, rest 60–90 seconds.

Exercise steps and photos: free-exercise-db (public domain).