Exercise Comparison
Backward Drag vs Squat with Bands




Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Backward Drag
Only in Squat with Bands
Instructions
Backward Drag
Load a sled with the desired weight, attaching a rope or straps to the sled that you can hold onto.
Begin the exercise by moving backwards for a given distance. Leaning back, extend through the legs for short steps to move as quickly as possible.
Squat with Bands
Set up the bands on the sleeves, secured to either band pegs, the rack, or dumbbells so that there is appropriate tension.
Begin by stepping under the bar and placing it across the back of the shoulders. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and rotate your elbows forward, attempting to bend the bar across your shoulders. Remove the bar from the rack, creating a tight arch in your lower back, and step back into position. Place your feet wide for more emphasis on the back, glutes, adductors, and hamstrings. Keep your head facing forward.
With your back, shoulders, and core tight, push your knees and butt out and you begin your descent. Sit back with your hips as much as possible. Ideally, your shins should be perpendicular to the ground. Lower bar position necessitates a greater torso lean to keep the bar over the heels. Continue until you break parallel, which is defined as the crease of the hip being in line with the top of the knee.
Keeping the weight on your heels and pushing your feet and knees out, drive upward as you lead the movement with your head. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe, until you have returned to the starting position.
Verdict
Both exercises target the quadriceps. Backward Drag is a beginner exercise using other, while Squat with Bands is intermediate and uses barbell. Choose Backward Drag if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Squat with Bands for a greater challenge.