Sumo Squat

The sumo squat uses a wide stance with toes pointed outward, increasing glute and adductor involvement compared to a standard squat. It is an excellent glute-focused lower body exercise.

Beginner 💪 Glutes Compound Squat
3
Sets
12–15
Reps
90 sec
Rest
Compound
Type
🏋️ Dumbbell🏋️ Kettlebell🏋️ Barbell
Sumo Squat — start and finish positionsSTARTFINISH
Dumbbell Kettlebell Barbell
Glutes Beginner Compound
Add This Exercise to Your Workout →

Muscles Worked

Learn more in the Glutes training guide →

Primary
Glutes
Secondary
Quads
Adductors
Hamstrings
Highlighted muscles

How To Perform

  1. 1 Stand with feet 1.5–2x shoulder-width apart, toes pointed 45 degrees outward.
  2. 2 Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell at chest height.
  3. 3 Squat down, keeping knees tracking over the toes.
  4. 4 Drive back up to standing.

Form Cues

  • ✓ Knees must track outward in the same direction as the toes.
  • ✓ Chest stays up throughout.

Common Mistakes

  • ✗ Knees caving inward.
  • ✗ Heels rising — work on hip mobility or use heel elevation.
💡 Professor Splits Says:

Progressive overload is the engine of muscle growth. Track your weights and aim to add small increments weekly. For Sumo Squat, this means gradually increasing load, volume (sets × reps), or decreasing rest periods over time.

Exercise Alternatives

Can't do the Sumo Squat? These alternatives target the same muscles:

Swap Sumo Squat for something else

Ranked by primary muscle, movement pattern and mechanics. Filter by the equipment you have:

Where This Exercise Fits

FAQ

How many sets of Sumo Squat should I do?▾
3 sets of 12–15 reps is a solid starting point. Adjust based on your training frequency and overall weekly volume for glutes. Beginners should start with the lower end; advanced trainees can push toward the upper range.
What muscles does Sumo Squat target?▾
Sumo Squat primarily targets the Glutes. Secondary muscles include Quads, Adductors, Hamstrings.
Is Sumo Squat good for beginners?▾
Sumo Squat is beginner-friendly. Focus on technique with lighter loads before adding weight.
How much rest between sets?▾
For Sumo Squat, 90 sec of rest between sets is recommended. Compound exercises require more recovery — longer rests (2–3 min) allow better performance on the next set.