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I'm considering buying a good set of dumbbell weights (pro tip: get them on craigslist) and a bench so that I can work out at home. However, I'm a big fan of the squat, but I don't want to have to also buy an olympic weight bar and plates. Are there any exercises that can be performed with dumbbells that are mostly equivalent to the squat?

Thanks!

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Here's a link to a video and info for a standard dumbbell squat:, you probably want to also look into front squats and overhead squats utilizing dumbbells.

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    I've done the front squat with dumbbells in a hotel gym. I prefer the load higher up so I can strengthen the core more. Squats are not meant to be simply a leg exercise.
    – Berin Loritsch
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 12:37
  • Thanks. I'm thinking that if I want to do a proper squat I'm just gonna have to get the barbell... this doesn't engage the back and core the same way as a standard squat.
    – eykanal
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 13:31
  • @Eykanal - as Berin mentioned a front squat (and definitely an overhead squat) will hit the core hard
    – Meade Rubenstein
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 14:01
  • Thanks, I didn't notice. That looks promising.
    – eykanal
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 14:49
  • @Meade care to summarize what front squats and overhead squats should look like?
    – Ivo Flipse
    Commented Aug 13, 2011 at 12:17
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There are many one-legged squats and many require use of a bench. I like using dumbbells with a split-squat while having the rear leg on a bench. Very challenging and can be done when you don't have heavy weights available.

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    Can you provide a link to a video or description of technique?
    – eykanal
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 13:28
  • @eykanal Videos aren't accessible during business hours. I'll link one in later.
    – Christopher Bibbs
    Commented Aug 11, 2011 at 13:47
  • A detailed explanation would probably do as well (just saying)
    – Ivo Flipse
    Commented Aug 13, 2011 at 12:15

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