Exercise guide
Potty Squat With Support
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Lower legs
- Upper legs
This beginner-friendly squat variation uses an incline bench for stability, allowing for a deeper range of motion to improve hip mobility and strengthen the glutes, quads, and hamstrings.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Stand facing the high end of an incline bench with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Point your toes slightly outward (about 15-30 degrees) to allow for better hip tracking.
- Lightly grasp the top or sides of the bench at chest height to provide balance and support.
How to do it
- Inhale as you slowly lower your hips toward the floor, keeping your chest lifted and spine neutral.
- Descend as deep as possible while keeping your heels flat on the ground, using the bench to stay upright.
- Exhale and drive through your heels to return to a standing position, maintaining a controlled 2-0-2-0 tempo.
Form checklist
- Keep your heels firmly planted on the floor throughout the entire movement.
- Ensure your knees track in the same direction as your toes, avoiding any inward collapse.
- Maintain a proud chest and avoid rounding your lower back at the bottom of the squat.
- Use the bench only for balance rather than pulling yourself up with your arms.
Pro tips
- At the bottom of the movement, focus on 'opening' your hips by driving your knees outward.
- Visualize your pelvis sinking straight down between your ankles to maximize depth and glute activation.
Make it harder
- Transition to a 'fingertip touch' on the bench to minimize reliance on the support.
- Add a 3-5 second isometric hold at the bottom of the squat to build end-range strength.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the potty squat with support work?
- The potty squat with support primarily targets the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the potty squat with support?
- The potty squat with support requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the potty squat with support good for beginners?
- Yes. The potty squat with support is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.
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