Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / legs

Pistol squat

One leg extended forward; squat to depth on standing leg; drive through heel.

Muscles

Primary
quads
Supporting
glutes, hip flexors

Mechanics

Pattern
squat
Equipment
bodyweight
Geometry
90° Alignment
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Deep quad and hip flexor work; balance challenge throughout entire range.
Progression
Counter-balance (plate or KB held out); then add load as goblet counterweight.
Regression
Box pistol (sit to box) or assisted pistol holding TRX/post.

Watch for

  • Extended leg dipping to floor — not a pistol
  • Caving knee — single-leg valgus under body weight
  • Leaning too far forward — turns it into a hip hinge

Substitutions

  • Bulgarian split squat
  • Shrimp squat
  • Goblet squat
Open Pistol squat in the app →