Barbell Squat vs Pendulum Squat
Which one fits your Leg workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions vs 318. Compare Leg form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Squat and Pendulum Squat and pick the one that fits your Leg workout.
Barbell Squat vs Pendulum 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 318 for Pendulum Squat.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Squat and Pendulum 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 Pendulum Squat Differ
| What differs | Barbell Squat | Pendulum Squat |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 26,460 sessions | 318 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 Pendulum Squat
Pendulum Squat Muscles Worked: Leg
Form
- 1. Slowly lower yourself down into a deep squat by bending your knees and hips together.
- 2. When your thighs are parallel to the floor or lower, please pause for a moment.
- 3. Push the floor with the entire foot to straighten your legs and slowly rise back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please be careful not to let your knees come too far inward or your toes extend too much.
- 2. Engage your core to prevent your back from excessively bending or twisting, and start with a weight that allows you to maintain proper form rather than a very heavy one.
For a full Pendulum Squat guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Pendulum Squat exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Leg, Barbell Squat or Pendulum Squat?
Planfit users log Barbell Squat more often — 26,460 sessions against 318 for Pendulum 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 Pendulum Squat need?
Barbell Squat needs a barbell, and Pendulum Squat needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Squat is the easier place to start. Move to Pendulum Squat once your form holds up.
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