Legs · Dumbbell

Dumbbell Low Split Squat

How to do the dumbbell low split squat, the muscles it works, and the mistakes to avoid. Pulled straight from the Kovo app's exercise library.

Animated demonstration of the Dumbbell Low Split Squat
Equipment
Dumbbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Logged as
Weighted reps
Movement
Lunge
Mechanic
Compound

How to do it

Stand in a staggered stance holding a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, one foot forward and one foot back. Bend both knees to lower into a deep split squat, sinking the back knee toward the floor while keeping the front heel planted. Drive through your front foot to stand and complete all reps before switching legs.

  1. 1Feel your front quad and glute working as you sink deep with the
  2. 2dumbbells loading you down
  3. 3Keep your torso tall and drive through the front heel to stand
  4. 4Feel a stretch through the back hip at the bottom of each rep

Common mistakes

  • Don't let your front knee cave inward or drift far past your toes
  • Avoid leaning forward or letting the dumbbells pull you off balance
  • Don't bounce out of the bottom; control the depth

Muscles worked

The dumbbell low split squat mainly works the quads and glutes, with the hamstrings, lower back, and calves assisting.

  • QuadsPrimary
  • GlutesPrimary
  • HamstringsSupport
  • Lower BackSupport
  • CalvesSupport
  • ForearmsMinor
  • Upper AbsMinor

Kovo programs the dumbbell low split squat for you and tracks it every session.

We build your whole program, drop the right lifts into each workout, and adjust your weights as you get stronger. Free on iOS and Android.

More quads exercises

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Last reviewed June 2026.