The glowing area shows where you should feel it working.
Single-leg · ●●● Difficulty 3 of 3
Bulgarian Split Squat
Gluteus maximus · quads · adductors
Rear foot elevated, torso leaning slightly forward — one of the hardest-working glute exercises there is.
Set up
- Stand about one long stride in front of a bench, then place the top of your rear foot on it.
- Most of your weight goes through the front heel.
How to do it
- 1Lean your torso forward slightly (about 20–30°).
- 2Lower straight down until your front thigh is about parallel to the floor.
- 3Drive through the front heel to stand back up, squeezing the glute.
Form cues
- Lean forward for glutes
- Front heel heavy
- Back leg is just for balance
Common mistakes
- Front foot too close (knee shoots forward)
- Pushing off the back foot
- Knee caving inward
Make it work for you
- Easier
- Split squat with both feet on the floor
- Harder
- Add dumbbells, or a 3-second lowering
- Bodyweight
- Bodyweight
- Dumbbells
- Dumbbell in each hand
- Gym
- Dumbbells or Smith machine
Want this in a plan made for you?
Get the right exercises, sets and reps for your goal — progressed over 12 weeks.
Take the quizRecommended gear
For your bulgarian split squat
A whole rack in one compact pair
Adjustable dumbbells
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
More single-leg
Single-leg · Bodyweight+
Reverse Lunge
Stepping backward keeps your weight on the front heel — kinder to knees than forward lunges and more glute-focused.
How to do itSingle-leg · Bodyweight+
Step-Up
A simple, scalable single-leg move. A higher box and a slight forward lean shift the work to your glutes.
How to do it