Smith Elevated Split Squat

The Smith Elevated Split Squat targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes while improving balance and stability.

  1. Set the Smith machine bar at shoulder height.
  2. Place one foot on an elevated surface behind you.
  3. Stand with your other foot forward, gripping the bar with both hands.
  4. Lower your body by bending your front knee until your thigh is parallel to the ground.
  5. Push through your front heel to return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before switching legs.

How to perform the Smith Elevated Split Squat

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Smith Elevated Split Squat using your smith machine.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your quadriceps.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your quadriceps rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

Build a free routine

Stage exercises here, then sign up to save them as a real Fitly routine — synced to web and mobile.

View staged routine (0)

Variations of Smith Elevated Split Squat

Related exercises

0 exercises staged Save your routine — sign up free.