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Top 5 Best Auxiliary Exercises to Improve Your Squats

By: MuscleSports.net

These exercises add strength, power and size to your glutes, hams and quads for more explosive squatting power!

The main thing we all want when we start lifting is to get stronger and be able to move more weight with greater eases of motion. That my friends is the definition of - POWER! In this article we are gonna give you the tools to unlock more power for the squat in the next 6 months than you have in years. Want to squat heavier, deeper, and safer? These 5 lifts target your weak points — but only if you do them right. Here’s how you avoid the mistakes and reap the rewards of scientific raining and avoid the pitfalls that come with pushing forward!

THE EXERCISES:

Exercise #1: Bulgarian Split Squats

Why? Fixes muscle imbalances, builds single-leg power, and improves squat stability.
Safety First:
- Knee Alignment: Keep your front knee tracking over toes (no caving inward!).
- Controlled Tempo: No bouncing at the bottom—lower slowly to protect knees.
- Modification: Too hard? Start with rear foot on the ground (elevated later).

Exercise #2: Paused Squats

Why? Teaches you to explode from the bottom without relying on momentum.
Safety First:
- Use a Rack: Always. Set safeties just below your lowest position.
- Bail Practice: Learn to ditch the bar onto safeties before you need to.
- Start Light: 50–60% of your max—pauses expose weakness fast.

Exercise #3: Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs)

Why? Strengthens hamstrings, glutes, and lower back for a stronger squat drive.
Safety First:
- Spinal Position: NO ROUNDING. Push hips back, keep chest up.
- Soft Knees: Slight bend (not locked) to protect hamstrings.
- Modification: Use dumbbells if bar path feels awkward.

Exercise #4: Front Squats

Why? Forces upright torso positioning and quad engagement.
Safety First:
- Wrist Mobility Issues? Use straps or cross-arm grip.
- Elbows High: Prevents bar rolling forward (and face-planting).
- Belt Optional: Helps if core is a weak point.

Exercise #5: Belt Squats

Why? Builds leg mass without spinal compression.
Safety First:
- Foot Placement: Stand on plates or a ledge to allow full depth.
- Control the Descent: Don’t let momentum yank your hips down.

Recap: Train Smart, Squat Stronger

1. Bulgarian Splits – No knee cave!
2. Paused Squats – Respect the rack.
3. RDLs – Protect your spine.
4. Front Squats – Keep elbows high.
5. Belt Squats – Controlled reps only.

One Final Tip: - Auxiliary lifts shouldn’t wreck you — they should build you. If an exercise hurts (not the good ‘burn’), check your form or load. And always warm up those hamstrings before RDLs!

Tags: strength life squats conditioning