Smith Machine Pistol Squat

A upper legs exercise targeting the quadriceps, performed with machine.

Smith Machine Pistol Squat demonstration
Smith Machine Pistol Squat — demonstration

Body part

Upper Legs

Equipment

Machine

Target muscles

Quadriceps

Secondary muscles

Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings

How to do Smith Machine Pistol Squat

  1. To begin, first set the bar to a position that best matches your height. Step under it and position the bar across the back of your shoulders.

  2. Take the bar with your hands facing forward, unlock it and lift it off the rack by extending your legs. 3

  3. Move one foot forward about 12 inches in front of the bar. Extend the other leg out in front of you, holding it off the ground. Look forward at all times and maintain a neutral or slightly arched spine. This will be your starting position.

  4. Maintaining good posture, lower yourself by flexing the knee and hip, going down as far as flexibility allows.

  5. Pause briefly at the bottom and then return to the starting position by driving through the heel of your foot, extending the knee and hip.

Muscles worked

Primary (target)

Quadriceps

Secondary

CalvesGlutesHamstrings

Related exercises

All upper legs exercises →

Track Smith Machine Pistol Squat in NutriMind

Log your sets and the app does the rest — automatic PR detection, progression charts for every lift, and progressive overload that adjusts your next workout. Paired with AI nutrition coaching so your training and your plate pull in the same direction.

Planning your next heavy session? Estimate your max with the One Rep Max Calculator and build up to it with the Warm-up Calculator. More free tools →