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  7. Lever Belt Bulgarian Split Squat

Exercise guide

Lever Belt Bulgarian Split Squat

  • Intermediate
  • Compound
  • Rep-based
  • Lower legs
  • Upper legs

The Lever Belt Bulgarian Split Squat uses a belt squat machine to load the hips directly, removing spinal compression while providing intense unilateral stimulus to the glutes and quads. This variation is ideal for high-volume leg training without the grip or lower back fatigue associated with dumbbells or barbells.

Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026

Watch the Lever Belt Bulgarian Split Squat demonstrationGuided video and your full workout live in the Crucible app.

Muscles worked

Primary

  • Glutes
  • Hamstrings
  • Quadriceps

Secondary

  • Abs
  • Obliques

Equipment

  • Dumbbell

Setup

  1. Position a flat bench or elevated platform approximately 2-3 feet behind the belt squat machine platform.
  2. Step into the belt, secure it snugly around your hips, and stand in the center of the machine.
  3. Place the top of your rear foot on the bench behind you and position your front foot forward on the platform with a slight outward turn.
  4. Stand upright to take the weight and disengage the machine's safety lever.

How to do it

  1. Inhale and lower your hips by bending the front knee, allowing your torso to lean slightly forward to maximize glute engagement.
  2. Descend until your front thigh is at least parallel to the floor, ensuring your front knee stays tracked over your toes.
  3. Exhale and drive forcefully through the mid-foot of your front leg to return to the starting position.
  4. Perform all reps on one leg before switching to the other, maintaining a controlled 2-0-1-0 tempo.

Form checklist

  • Keep 80-90% of your weight on the front leg; the back leg is only for balance.
  • Maintain a neutral spine and avoid excessive arching in the lower back.
  • Ensure the front knee does not cave inward during the descent or ascent.
  • Keep your hips square to the front throughout the entire set.

Pro tips

  • Think about 'pushing the floor away' with your front heel to better recruit the posterior chain.
  • Lightly hold the machine's handles for balance, but avoid using your arms to pull yourself up.
  • Adjust your front foot distance: a longer stride emphasizes the glutes, while a shorter stride shifts focus to the quadriceps.

Make it harder

  • Place a weight plate or small riser under the front foot to create a deficit, increasing the range of motion.
  • Implement a 3-second eccentric (lowering) phase followed by a 2-second pause at the bottom of each rep.

Frequently asked

What muscles does the lever belt bulgarian split squat work?
The lever belt bulgarian split squat primarily targets the glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps, and also works the abs and obliques as secondary muscles.
What equipment do you need for the lever belt bulgarian split squat?
The lever belt bulgarian split squat uses dumbbell.
Is the lever belt bulgarian split squat good for beginners?
The lever belt bulgarian split squat is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.

Related exercises

  • 3 Point Standing HopsIntermediate · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps
  • 4 Cone Single Foot Lateral HopsIntermediate · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps
  • 4 Way Single Leg HopAdvanced · calves, glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps
  • Air Pillow Balance Counterbalanced Skater SquatAdvanced · glutes, hamstrings, and quadriceps

Train this with a plan, not guesswork

Crucible builds the lever belt bulgarian split squat into a precise program around your body, equipment, location, and time.

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