Reverse Band Box Squat
Reverse Band Box Squat is an intermediate compound barbell powerlifting that mainly works your quads, with help from your abductors (outer hips), adductors (inner thighs), calves, forearms, glutes, hamstrings and lower back.


How to do the reverse band box squat
- Begin in a power rack with a box at the appropriate height behind you. Set up the bands either on band pegs or attached to the top of the rack, ensuring they will be directly above the bar during the squat. Attach the other end to the bar.
- 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 wider for more emphasis on the back, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings, or closer together for more quad development. Keep your head facing forward.
- With your back, shoulders, and core tight, push your knees and butt out and you begin your descent. Sit back with your hips until you are seated on the box. Ideally, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground. Pause when you reach the box, and relax the hip flexors. Never bounce off of a box.
- Keeping the weight on your heels and pushing your feet and knees out, drive upward off of the box as you lead the movement with your head. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe. Use care to return the barbell to the rack.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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Start your free trialReverse Band Box Squat alternatives
Exercises that train the same main muscle.
Box SquatBarbell · Intermediate
Speed Box SquatBarbell · Intermediate
Squat with BandsBarbell · Intermediate
Squat with ChainsBarbell · Intermediate
Box Squat with BandsBarbell · Expert
Reverse Band Power SquatBarbell · ExpertFAQ
What muscles does the reverse band box squat work?
It mainly works your quads; your abductors (outer hips), adductors (inner thighs), calves, forearms, glutes, hamstrings and lower back assist.
How many sets and reps of reverse band box squat should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the reverse band box squat good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.