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Exercise Comparison

Barbell Full Squat vs Mountain Climbers

Barbell Full Squat - starting position
Barbell Full Squat - ending position
Barbell Full Squat
intermediate·Barbell·compound
Mountain Climbers - starting position
Mountain Climbers - ending position
Mountain Climbers
beginner·None·compound

Side-by-Side

Barbell Full Squat
VS
Mountain Climbers
intermediate
Level
beginner
Barbell
Equipment
None
compound
Mechanic
compound
push
Force
pull
Strength
Category
Plyometrics
quadriceps
Primary
quadriceps
calvesgluteshamstringslower back
Secondary
chesthamstringsshoulders

Muscle Analysis

Shared

quadricepshamstrings

Only in Barbell Full Squat

calvesgluteslower back

Only in Mountain Climbers

chestshoulders

Instructions

Barbell Full Squat

1

This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set the bar on a rack just above shoulder level. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, step under the bar and place the back of your shoulders (slightly below the neck) across it.

2

Hold on to the bar using both arms at each side and lift it off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.

3

Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times and maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position.

4

Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees and sitting back with your hips as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until your hamstrings are on your calves. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.

5

Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor with the heel or middle of your foot as you straighten the legs and extend the hips to go back to the starting position.

6

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Mountain Climbers

1

Begin in a pushup position, with your weight supported by your hands and toes. Flexing the knee and hip, bring one leg until the knee is approximately under the hip. This will be your starting position.

2

Explosively reverse the positions of your legs, extending the bent leg until the leg is straight and supported by the toe, and bringing the other foot up with the hip and knee flexed. Repeat in an alternating fashion for 20-30 seconds.

Verdict

Both exercises target the quadriceps. Barbell Full Squat is a intermediate exercise using barbell, while Mountain Climbers is beginner and uses none. Choose Mountain Climbers if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Barbell Full Squat for a greater challenge.

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