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Instructions
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell overhead with one arm fully extended.
- Engage your core and maintain a neutral spine.
- Lower your hips into a full squat, keeping the dumbbell stable above your shoulder.
- Ensure your knees track over your toes and your heels stay flat on the ground.
- Pause briefly at the bottom, then drive through your heels to return to the starting position.
Technical Tips
- Keep your arm fully extended and aligned with your shoulder throughout the movement.
- Avoid arching your lower back; maintain a braced core.
- Look forward and keep your chest upright during the descent.
- Use a mirror or spotter to check form and stability.
Breathing Tips
- Inhale deeply before descending into the squat.
- Hold your breath through the bottom for core stability.
- Exhale forcefully as you push back up to the starting position.
Medical restrictions
- Shoulder instability or rotator cuff injuries
- Lower back pain or herniated discs
- Severe knee joint issues
- Limited ankle dorsiflexion or mobility restrictions
What muscles does the Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead Squat work?
The Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead Squat primarily targets the quadriceps, glutes, and shoulders, while also engaging the core, lower back, and stabilizer muscles throughout the body.
Is the Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead Squat suitable for beginners?
No, this exercise is classified as advanced due to its high demand for mobility, stability, and coordination. Beginners should first master basic squats and overhead movements before attempting it.
What are the benefits of doing a single arm overhead squat?
The single arm overhead squat improves unilateral strength, enhances core stability, increases mobility, and trains the body to control asymmetrical loads, making it ideal for functional strength and athletic performance.
Can I do the Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead Squat with limited shoulder mobility?
No, adequate shoulder and thoracic mobility are essential for safe execution. It's important to address mobility restrictions before performing this overhead movement.
How heavy should the dumbbell be for a single arm overhead squat?
Start with a light dumbbell that allows you to maintain perfect form and control. As your strength and mobility improve, gradually increase the load while prioritizing technique.
The Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead Squat is an advanced compound movement that builds total-body strength, stability, and mobility. This exercise challenges your balance and coordination by requiring you to stabilize a dumbbell overhead with one arm while performing a deep squat. It's especially effective for developing lower body power, enhancing core control, and strengthening shoulder stabilizers. The unilateral load forces engagement from the entire kinetic chain, making it a valuable functional training tool for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike. In addition to improving muscular endurance, this movement enhances joint mobility, particularly in the ankles, hips, and thoracic spine. Incorporating the Dumbbell Single Arm Overhead Squat into your routine can elevate overall performance by training the body to work cohesively under asymmetrical loads, simulating real-world strength demands. It's often used in CrossFit, athletic conditioning, and advanced strength training programs to build resilience and muscular coordination.