Upper Legs Exercise · Body Weight

Expand

Curtsey Squat

The curtsey squat sends one leg back and across the body instead of straight behind, which shifts extra work onto the glute medius — the side-of-hip muscle a standard squat barely touches. That crossing step also demands balance and hip control most squat variations don't ask for. It's a useful accessory for runners and anyone chasing knee stability, but keep the reps light until the coordination clicks.

Go to the movement steps

Category

Upper Legs

Equipment

Body Weight

Target

Glutes

Share Embed & Cite

Exercise reference published by PlanWorkouts; see our editorial standards.

How to Do the Curtsey Squat

1. Begin standing with your feet set shoulder-width apart.
2. Step your right foot diagonally back and across your body, crossing it behind your left leg.
3. Bend both knees to lower your body toward the floor in a curtsy-like motion.
4. Keep your torso upright and your weight settled on your front foot.
5. Drive through your front foot to return to the standing starting position.
6. Repeat the movement on the opposite side, crossing your left foot diagonally back behind your right leg.

Technique & Form Tips

Execute the movement by bending hips and knees while maintaining balance over the midfoot. The specific torso angle and stance are determined by the chosen variation, focusing on controlled descent and ascent throughout the range of motion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Knee collapse: Keep the knees aligned with the feet to maintain stable tracking.
• Losing torso control: Match the torso position to the variation instead of suddenly dropping the chest or changing balance.
• Losing foot support: Keep the demonstrated foot contact during the lowering and rising phases. Jumping variations have a separate takeoff and landing.

How to Breathe During This Exercise

Breathe in a steady, controlled rhythm throughout the effort.

Comfort and Control

Choose a load and range you can control. Stop if the movement causes pain. If discomfort persists, stop and ask a qualified professional about an appropriate exercise and range.

General guidance: Mayo Clinic on weight-training technique. Follow the specific movement steps above for this variation.

Muscles Worked

The Curtsey Squat mainly targets your Glutes, with your Quadriceps helping support the movement, along with your Hamstrings, Calves.

More Upper Legs Exercises

All Fours Squad Stretch Body Weight · Quads Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male) Body Weight · Glutes Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch Assisted · Glutes Assisted Lying Gluteus And Piriformis Stretch Assisted · Glutes Assisted Prone Hamstring Assisted · Hamstrings Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch Assisted · Quads

More Glutes Exercises

Band Bent-Over Hip Extension Band · Glutes Band Hip Lift Band · Glutes Band Lying Hip Internal Rotation Band · Glutes Band Pull Through Band · Glutes Band Seated Hip Internal Rotation Band · Glutes Band Squat Band · Glutes

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have body weight? These target the same glutes with different equipment.

Band Squat Band · Glutes Barbell Clean-Grip Front Squat Barbell · Glutes Dumbbell Bench Squat Dumbbell · Glutes Kettlebell Front Squat Kettlebell · Glutes

FAQ

What muscles does the Curtsey Squat work?

The Curtsey Squat mainly works your glutes. It also helps strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings, calves. Using good, smooth form makes sure you work the right muscles and avoid unnecessary strain on your joints.

What equipment do I need for the Curtsey Squat?

You do the Curtsey Squat with no equipment — just body weight. Make sure your equipment is set up safely before starting. If you work out at home or have limited gear, check out our alternative exercises below.

What form mistake should I watch for on the Curtsey Squat?

One mistake to watch for is knee collapse: Keep the knees aligned with the feet to maintain stable tracking.. Use a comfortable range and a controlled return; reduce the load if you cannot maintain the demonstrated setup.

How many sets and reps should I perform on the Curtsey Squat?

To build muscle size, aim for 3 to 4 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 to 120 seconds of rest. To build pure strength, focus on 4 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 heavier reps with 2 to 3 minutes of rest.

What's a good alternative to the Curtsey Squat?

The Band Squat trains your glutes with band and a similar movement pattern. Review its form guide before substituting it, since setup and range of motion can differ.