Is it better to squat for reps or weight?

Author: Ernestine Gleason  |  Last update: Tuesday, June 3, 2025

SHOULD I SQUAT LOWER OR ADD WEIGHT TO MY SQUAT? If you want to get stronger, and perform at a higher capacity for longer, then using high rep training to build strength endurance will make it happen. And if you want to maximize the gains, perfecting your squat is a great place to start.

Is it better to do squats high or low reps?

High loads with fewer reps (3-5) are going to be better for strength, while low to moderate loads (8+ reps) are just as effective as high loads for hypertrophy, and if for whatever reason you want to weight lift for endurance, low to moderate loads and high reps (10+) are going to be most effective.

Are you supposed to squat more than you weigh?

For beginners, a good squat goal weight is typically around 0.75 to 1 times body weight. This range provides a solid foundation for building strength while ensuring proper form.

Is it better to hold a squat or do reps?

The strengthening comes from doing repetitions, says Dr. Matos. However, if you're new to deep squatting but already do normal squats, you might start by doing one deep squat at the end of that routine and see how that feels, she adds. Then, you can increase repetitions from there.

What is the 5 4 3 2 1 squat program?

The 5-4-3-2-1 program is a program that aims to take advantage of periodizing training frequency by training one lift five times per week, one lift four times per week, one lift three times per week, one lift twice per week and one lift once per week.

High vs Low Reps (Science-Based)

Is 3 sets of 8 squats enough?

You can still build muscle with 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps — provided you train close to failure and progressively overload. But it isn't the most optimal, instead: Choose your rep range based on the exercise — the larger and more the muscles involved, the lesser the reps. Even then, don't venture below 3 reps or above 30.

Why squat 5x5?

You do three workouts a week, with at least one rest day in between. Your goal is to increase the weight on the bar over time. The 5×5 workout has been popular for decades because it's simple, time-efficient, and very effective for building strength and muscle mass as a drug-free lifter.

Should I squat for reps or weight?

SHOULD I SQUAT LOWER OR ADD WEIGHT TO MY SQUAT? If you want to get stronger, and perform at a higher capacity for longer, then using high rep training to build strength endurance will make it happen. And if you want to maximize the gains, perfecting your squat is a great place to start.

Can squats reduce belly fat?

Belly fat poses significant health risks but can be tackled with indoor exercises like jumping rope, squats, lunges, mountain climbers, smart bikes, treadmills, and burpees. These activities can enhance cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and flexibility, while effectively burning calories and reducing belly fat.

Do squats increase testosterone?

To get more testosterone, focus on weight and resistance training. Cardio is still important for weight management and heart health, but exercises like bench presses, deadlifts and squats will have a bigger impact on your testosterone levels.

Is it better to squat deeper or heavier?

Research has shown that not only are deep squats safe, but they are actually protective of knee injury as they develop more robust ligaments and joint surfaces. Furthermore, increased strength in the back squat compared to body mass has been shown to be protective against lower extremity injury.

How rare is a 405 squat?

Only 1 Out Of 50 People Go To The Gym, So 0.00012% Of The World's Population Can Squat 405lbs… That's 3 Out Of Every 25,000 People.” #LegDay #Squats #Weightlifting #StrengthTraining #Exercise #Outlier #JoeRogan #Discipline #Consistency #SuccessHabits 🗓️ #CompoundEffect 📈 #SRTF.

What is the ideal weight to squat?

A great benchmark in terms of the body weight ratio for squatting for men is around 1.5 to 2 times their own body weight. For females, the target range is anywhere between one and 1.5 times the body weight. Again, fitness goals, age, experience level, and more can all influence this.

Is squatting 225 for reps impressive?

This makes you Intermediate on Strength Level and is a very impressive lift.

Do 20 rep squats work?

Dubious claims aside, 20-rep breathing squats are undoubtedly a time-tested method for breaking through lower-body strength plateaus, building mental grit and seriously spicing up your leg day.

What will 30 squats a day do?

Squats are like sculptors for your glutes, hamstrings, and quads. Daily engagement with these exercises will progressively sculpt and define these muscle groups. Get ready to see a perkier backside, toned legs, and a more aesthetically pleasing overall physique.

Does 100 squats a day burn fat?

Yes, performing 100 squats a day will tone your thighs. They will help enhance your muscle strength and definition. You will also witness an increased fitness level and reduced body fat.

Is 315 a good squat?

Generally, a 315 squat means you're no longer intermediate and you've entered the world of advanced lifters. It's a substantial weight, to say the least, and for many people, it's a big milestone.

How many times a week should I squat?

While training frequency will depend on the intensity of your workouts and recovery strategies, generally speaking one to three days a week of squatting will work for most people, add Ellis.

Is it better to squat, heavy or light?

This assumption is supported by the idea of a “strength-endurance continuum” where a heavy-load low-repetition RT scheme promotes greater gains in strength performance, while a light-load high-repetition routine benefits endurance-related capacities more [3, 4].

Why is the squat king of exercises?

The squat is a fantastic exercise; it targets all the muscles in the lower body whilst also adding some strength and stability to the abdomen and lower back area. The squat also gets a large amount of upper body muscles engaged too.

Why is 5x5 so hard?

One of the main reasons the program begins to stall is that your body simply cannot handle the stress of three heavy sets of five three days a week. For most people it simply becomes too heavy and your body cannot adapt fast enough.

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