Weighted Jump Squat

An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.

Weighted Jump Squat — Starting position Starting position
Weighted Jump Squat — End position End position
Difficulty Intermediate
Type Strength
Equipment Barbell
Primary Muscle Quads
AI Rep Counting Log manually

How to Do Weighted Jump Squat

  1. Position a lightly loaded barbell across the back of your shoulders. You could also use a weighted vest, sandbag, or other type of resistance for this exercise.
  2. The weight should be light enough that it doesn't slow you down significantly. Your feet should be just outside of shoulder width with your head and chest up. This will be your starting position.
  3. Using a countermovement, squat partially down and immediately reverse your direction to explode off of the ground, extending through your hips, knees, and ankles. Maintain good posture throughout the jump.
  4. As you return to the ground, absorb the impact through your legs.

Muscles Worked

Front
Back

Primary

Where Weighted Jump Squat does most of its work.

Secondary

Assisting and stabilising muscles.

Alternatives to Weighted Jump Squat

10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.

  1. 1 Freehand Jump Squat

    Freehand Jump Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, needing no equipment.

    intermediate No Equipment
  2. 2 Weighted Squat

    Weighted Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads.

    intermediate Not specified
  3. 3 Dumbbell Squat To A Bench

    Dumbbell Squat To A Bench

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.

    intermediate Dumbbells
  4. 4 Lying Machine Squat

    Lying Machine Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.

    intermediate Machines
  5. 5 Smith Machine Pistol Squat

    Smith Machine Pistol Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.

    intermediate Machines
  6. 6 Suspended Split Squat

    Suspended Split Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads.

    intermediate Not specified
  7. 7 Weighted Sissy Squat

    Weighted Sissy Squat

    An advanced compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.

    advanced Barbell
  8. 8 Barbell Full Squat

    Barbell Full Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell
  9. 9 Wide Stance Barbell Squat

    Wide Stance Barbell Squat

    An intermediate compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.

    intermediate Barbell
  10. 10 Dumbbell Squat

    Dumbbell Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.

    beginner Dumbbells

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles do weighted jump squat work?

Weighted Jump Squat primarily works the quads. The calves, glutes, hamstrings and lower back assist as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for weighted jump squat?

Weighted Jump Squat uses barbell.

Weighted Jump Squat: is it suitable for beginners?

Weighted Jump Squat is rated intermediate. Movements that assume you already own the basic pattern and are ready to load it.

What can I do instead of weighted jump squat?

Freehand Jump Squat, Weighted Squat, Dumbbell Squat To A Bench train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.

Can Fitnit count my weighted jump squat reps automatically?

Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; weighted jump squat can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.

Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.

Track Your Weighted Jump Squat with AI

Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.