The Sissy Squat exercise, also known as the "vertical leg press," is a highly effective exercise for targeting the quadriceps (front of the thigh) and glutes (buttocks) muscles. This exercise is performed using a specialized machine or a homemade version, which allows the user to perform squats while keeping their back upright, placing more emphasis on the quadriceps and glutes.

To perform the Sissy Squat exercise, start by adjusting the machine to fit your height and positioning yourself in front of the machine. Place your feet on the footpad and grasp the handholds for support. Begin the exercise by slowly lowering your body towards the ground, keeping your back upright and your knees slightly bent. Lower your body as far as you can without compromising your form.

Once you reach the bottom position, pause for a moment before slowly pushing yourself back up to the starting position. As you push up, be sure to keep your back upright and your knees slightly bent. Your feet should be planted firmly on the footpad throughout the entire exercise.



It's important to use proper form when performing the Sissy Squat exercise to ensure that you're targeting the correct muscles and preventing injury. Make sure to keep your back upright and your knees slightly bent throughout the entire movement. Keep your feet planted firmly on the footpad and do not let your knees collapse inward. Avoid going too low on the squat, as this can put excessive stress on the knee joint.

The Sissy squat can be a challenging exercise, so it's important to start with a weight that is appropriate for your current level of fitness. As you become stronger, you can gradually increase the weight to further challenge your muscles.

One of the benefits of the Sissy Squat exercise is that it places a high level of stress on the quadriceps muscles, making it an effective exercise for building strength and size in this muscle group. Additionally, because the exercise is performed with the back upright, it also works the glutes and lower back muscles to a lesser degree, making it a great exercise for overall leg development.

Another benefit of the Sissy Squat exercise is that it can be done in a variety of ways, such as using a machine, a homemade version, or even with a resistance band, which can add variety to your leg workout and help to prevent plateauing.

It's also worth noting that the Sissy Squat exercise can be performed as a bodyweight exercise. This can be a great way to start and build up the strength and form needed before adding weight.

It's important to note that the Sissy Squat exercise can put a lot of stress on the knee joint, so if you have any knee problems or injuries, it's important to talk to your doctor or physical therapist before trying this exercise.



In conclusion, the Sissy Squat exercise, also known as the "vertical leg press," is a highly effective exercise for targeting the quadriceps (front of the thigh) and glutes (buttocks) muscles. It can be performed on a machine, a homemade version, or even with a resistance band, making it a versatile exercise that can add variety to your leg workout. It's important to use proper form, start with a weight that is appropriate for your current level of fitness, and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any knee problems or injuries before trying this exercise. With consistent training, you can achieve strong and toned quadriceps and glutes.


 FAQ:


Why is sissy squats called sissy?

The exercise known as the "sissy squat" is so named because of its perceived ease compared to other squat variations and the fact that it is often considered a less challenging exercise for those who are new to squatting.

Why are sissy squats so hard?

Isolation of the quadriceps: Sissy squats place a significant emphasis on the quadriceps muscles, which can make the exercise challenging for those who are not used to working these muscles.

 Do sissy squats build glutes?

Sissy squats primarily target the quadriceps muscles, which are the muscles located in the front of the thigh. While sissy squats do engage the glutes and hamstrings to a certain extent, the primary focus of the exercise is on the quadriceps.

Which squat is best for quads?

Sissy Squats: As previously discussed, sissy squats place a significant emphasis on the quadriceps muscles, and it's considered one of the best exercises for targeting the quads.