How to do a DUMBBELL SUMO SQUAT

Change up your lower body workout with this twist on the traditional squat.

How does the sumo squat differ from the traditional squat? It’s all about the positioning of your feet. With a traditional squat, feet are hip-width apart, with toes pointing forward or slightly angled outward. With a sumo squat, however, feet are placed in a wider stance, with toes angled out away from the centre of the body. While both types of squats work the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors and calves, the sumo squat places more emphasis on the inner thigh adductors, which are the muscles that move your legs in toward your body and glutes.

Additionally, the positioning of a sumo squat changes your base of support, adding an extra challenge to your balance; you must maintain stability to keep yourself from rocking forward or backward on your heels. Add a dumbbell or kettlebell to the mix for some resistance, and you’ve got yourself a great thigh-toning move! (The exercise can also be done without the extra weight.)