Cossack Squat

Technique

Stand with your feet wide apart, toes pointed slightly outward. Shift your weight to one side, bending that knee and squatting down while keeping the other leg straight with your heel on the floor. Push back through your bent leg to return to the center standing position. Repeat on the other side, alternating throughout the set.

Steps

1. Stand with feet wide apart, toes pointed slightly outward
2. Shift your weight to one side, bending that knee and sitting down
3. Keep your other leg straight with the heel on the floor
4. Push back through your bent leg to return to center
5. Repeat on the other side, alternating throughout the set

Common mistakes

• Lifting the heel of the straight leg off the floor
• Rounding the lower back instead of keeping the chest up
• Not going low enough to load the working leg properly

Variations

• Weighted cossack squat holding a kettlebell or dumbbell at the chest
• Cossack squat with a heel-elevated shoe for easier depth
• Cossack squat to a low box to regulate depth

FAQ