Barbell Squat vs Dumbbell Sumo Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions vs 3,711. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Squat and Dumbbell Sumo Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Squat vs Dumbbell Sumo Squat: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions compared to 3,711 for Dumbbell Sumo Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Squat and Dumbbell Sumo Squat differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Squat and Dumbbell Sumo Squat Differ
| What differs | Barbell Squat | Dumbbell Sumo Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 2 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,460 sessions | 3,711 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Squat
Barbell Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your back straight, then bend at the hip to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Allow your knees to bend naturally until your thighs are parallel to the ground.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your hips rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your hips too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Barbell Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Squat exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Sumo Squat
Dumbbell Sumo Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Tighten your abdomen and keep your back straight, then bend at the hips to lower your buttocks down.
- 2. Lower yourself until your knees naturally bend and your thighs are vertical to your body.
- 3. Push strongly through the center of your feet to rise up.
- 4. As your buttocks rise, straighten your knees and hips in sequence, returning to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to lean your upper body too far forward.
- 2. Keep your chest up and engage your core to avoid bending your waist.
- 3. Don't excessively bend your waist while trying to keep it straight.
- 4. Please do not stick your buttocks too far back.
- 5. Make sure your feet do not lift off the ground.
- 6. When standing up, please ensure your knees do not come together.
For a full Dumbbell Sumo Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Sumo Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Squat or Dumbbell Sumo Squat?
Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions against 3,711 for Dumbbell Sumo Squat. Both train Leg, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Squat and Dumbbell Sumo Squat need?
Barbell Squat needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Sumo Squat needs a dumbbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Sumo Squat is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Squat once your form holds up.
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