Can Pistol Squats replace Barbell Squats?

Asked by: Johnny Kriech

The answer is no.

Are pistol squats as good as barbell squats?

Pistol squats are a great addition to anyone’s workout, especially if you have issues with back squats, they can be a great substitute. For those that have no problems with barbell back squats, they are simply a great addition to a solid lower body routine, helping to even up any bilateral leg strength deficit.

Can you build legs with pistol squats?

So for those of you who don't know the pistol squat is one of the best bodyweight. Training exercises that you can do for your legs to build up your quads your hamstrings your glutes.

Can you replace barbell squat?

The dumbbell deadlift can be a suitable alternative to the squat due to the range of muscles it challenges. But it can also be a better choice for safety reasons, as you don’t have to support the weight on top of your shoulders; you merely pick dumbbells off of the ground and raise them to about knee level.

How much weight is a pistol squat equivalent to?

To get a 2x bodyweight barbell squat you need to pistol approximately 63% of your bodyweight. In reality, since the pistol achieves more depth than a barbell squat, I’d imagine the number is closer to 50-55% of your bodyweight in practice. Thus, approximately 50% bodyweight pistol = 2x bodyweight squat.

Is pistol squat impressive?

Because pistol squats are so heavy on the legs, many people don’t realize that they are actually excellent for developing your core strength and muscles. It’s true; pistol squat benefits reach out as far as giving you some rock hard abs!

Are pistol squat easier with weight?

The weighted pistol is easier for a few reasons. One, you have a counter-balance. This allows you to sit back earlier and shift the weight towards your heel. Two, you can get away with less than adequate ankle mobility because of this counter balance.

Can weighted pistol squats build muscle?

Muscle Hypertrophy



The pistol squat and the barbell squat can both be used to develop muscle growth, as they each have their benefits.

Why is pistol squat so hard?

When compared to a standard two-legged squat, this one-legged variation requires one leg to be strong enough to support all of the body weight that is normally supported by two legs, Stephanie Mansour, Chicago-based certified personal trainer, tells SELF. That makes the move exponentially harder.