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StrengthadvancedLIFTMOR core lift

Barbell Back Squat

Axial loading straight down the spine and into the hips makes the back squat a premier bone-builder. A LIFTMOR core lift, performed at 80–85% 1RM for 5 sets of 5.

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How to dose it

Sets
5
Reps
5
Intensity
80–85% 1RM (RPE 7–8)
Rest
2–3 min

LIFTMOR HiRIT — 2×/week.

Bone load

Spine
Hip
Wrist

Equipment

barbell

Set up

  1. 1Bar on the upper back (not the neck), feet shoulder-width, toes slightly out.
  2. 2Brace the core, big breath.

Do this

  • Sit down and back, knees tracking over the toes
  • Keep the chest up and spine neutral
  • Drive up through mid-foot

Avoid this

  • Rounding the upper back under the bar
  • Knees caving inward
  • Heels lifting

Safety

Squat to a depth you can control with a neutral spine. The upright torso protects the vertebrae — avoid letting the chest collapse forward.

Progress or regress

Make it harder

This is the most advanced version.