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Sumo Squat: Bigger Glutes, Stronger Inner Thighs & Improved Hip Power

Sumo Squat: Bigger Glutes, Stronger Inner Thighs & Improved Hip Power

Ever tried squatting like a sumo wrestler? The sumo squat is your shortcut to stronger glutes, powerful hips, and sculpted inner thighs — all without wrecking your knees. The short answer: it builds strength and shape fast. Grab one of our best-selling fixed barbells and let’s perfect your stance.


What Is the Sumo Squat?

Definition & movement pattern — wide stance squatting variation

The sumo squat flips the usual squat stance. Feet go wide, toes turn out, and your legs do a little “open the gate” move as you drop into the rep.
You keep your chest tall, sit back and down, then push the floor away like you’re trying to crack a walnut under your heels.
It looks simple but the burn tells the truth fast.

Sumo Squat vs Traditional Squat vs Goblet Sumo Squat

Traditional squats hit quads hard.
Sumo squats? They spread the love to your inner thighs and glutes.
The goblet squat vs sumo squat debate is fun, but the real answer is both — goblet builds technique, sumo builds shape.

Why lifters choose sumo stance — hip mobility, inner thigh focus

If you’ve ever thought, “Why don’t my glutes look like they should after all these squats?”
Enter: the sumo stance.
It opens your hips, reduces lower-back crankiness, and gives your inner thighs a job they can’t skip.

Barbell Sumo Squat vs Dumbbell Sumo Squat vs KB Sumo Squat

Going heavy? Choose a barbell sumo squat.
Learning the pattern? A dumbbell sumo squat keeps your torso honest.
Training at home? A kb sumo squat is easy to set up and still spicy.


Sumo Squat Muscles Worked

Primary muscles — glutes, quads, hamstrings

If you’ve ever asked what do sumo squats target?
Here’s your answer: glutes, quads and hams — a triple-threat for leg days that actually shape your lower half.

Secondary muscles — adductors, calves, core

Your adductors (inner thighs) fire like they’re trying to squeeze a watermelon.
Your core keeps everything stacked and steady.
Your calves pitch in to keep the heels down.

What sumo squats target vs standard squats

Standard squats light up the quads.
Sumo squats hit the glutes more directly and add that inner thigh thickness most people are missing.

Sumo squat muscles worked for athletic performance

More hip power means faster sprints, stronger jumps, and better control when changing direction.
Your body learns to push — hard — through the ground.


How to Do the Sumo Squat with Proper Form

Setup — stance width, toe angle, bar placement options

Feet wider than shoulders.
Toes out slightly — like a comfortable turnout stance.
Grab your load: barbell sumo squat, DB between legs, or KB.

The descent — knees out, upright torso, glute engagement

Sit down between your legs instead of folding forward.
Pretend you’re trying to show a logo on your shirt to the wall ahead.

The ascent — drive through heels + inner thighs

Push the floor away.
Squeeze glutes at the top like you’re trying to win a contest.

Key cues — chest up, ribs down, no heel lift

If your heels lift — stance is too wide or ankles need love.
Stay tall, brace tight.

Common mistakes & fixes — caving knees, shallow depth

Knees caving? Think “knees to pinky toes.”
Depth missing? Use a box as your landing pad.


Variations & Modifications of the Sumo Squat

Barbell Sumo Squat

Go here when confidence and technique are dialed in.

Dumbbell Sumo Squat (DB Sumo Squat)

Hold one dumbbell like a kettlebell — quick setup and great control.

KB Sumo Squat (Kettlebell Sumo Squat)

Similar to DB but the handle is friendlier on the wrists.

Elevated Sumo Squat — increased ROM

Stand on plates to unlock deeper range — and deeper glute burn.

Box Sumo Squat

Helps you stay honest with depth and torso positioning.

Pause Sumo Squat

Pause at the bottom for one Mississippi and feel your glutes wake up.

Safety Bar Sumo Squat

Your shoulders will thank you — perfect if back squats feel cranky.


Alternatives to the Sumo Squat

Goblet Squat

An excellent “fix your squat form” teacher.

Front Squat

More upright spine, more quads, more core.

Back Squat

Still the king for overall leg strength — pair it with sumo to rule all.

When to choose sumo squat vs these alternatives

Pick sumo for glutes and inner thigh focus.
Pick front/back for heavier strength progress.


Programming & Training Tips for Barbell Sumo Squats

Sets & reps — strength, hypertrophy & beginners

New lifters: 3×10 with a kettlebell or dumbbell.
Hypertrophy: 4×8–12 barbell sumo squat.
Strength: 5×5 and rest like a champ.

Where to place sumo squats in leg/glute workouts

First on glute day.
After hip hinges on leg day.
Or as your main lift if lower back is sensitive.

Progressions — adding tempo, resistance bands, overload

Slow the descent.
Add pauses.
Loop a band around your knees to train knee-out control.
Boom — upgrades unlocked.


Benefits of Sumo Squats

Inner thigh + glute growth

Here’s the truth: most people barely train adductors.
Sumo squats fix that and help create strong, powerful hips.

Reduced lower-back stress vs conventional squats

Less forward lean = fewer lower-back complaints.
Your spine will be cheering.

Better hip drive for deadlifts & sports

Think stronger sprints, harder jumps, and faster cuts.

Beginner-friendly squat option

Less mobility required, more results delivered.


Safety Tips & Mobility Considerations

Hip, knee & ankle mobility for wide stance

Warm up with Cossack squats and hip openers.
Ankles matter too — no heel pop allowed.

When to lower weight or adjust stance width

If form falls apart — reduce load now, PR later.
Your joints always tell the truth.

Warm-up drills — adductors, glutes, ankles

Mini-band walks, goblet prying squats, ankle rocks — quick and effective.


Recommended Equipment for Sumo Squats

Barbells — Straight Bar, Fixed Straight Bar, EZ Curl Bar, Fixed Curl Bar

Start with a Fixed Straight Bar while learning balance, then upgrade to a full-loading barbell.

Best-selling fixed barbells 20–115 lb for safe setup

Sized right for sumo setups — and easy to move in any home gym.

Weight plates 2.5–100 lb — Olympic grip, bumper plates, urethane, cast-iron

Exact loading. Smooth progression.
Pick bumpers if you’re lifting in a shared space.

Top brands — Body Solid, Escape Fitness, Intek Strength, TAG Fitness, TKO, Troy, USA Sports by Troy, VTX, York

Strong lifts deserve strong gear — and these brands deliver.

Weekly 5% promos + bulk order discount available

Best pricing, no games. Ask anytime.


Final Takeaway — Why Sumo Squats Belong in Your Routine

Recap: stronger glutes, inner thighs + joint-friendly mechanics

Aesthetic and performance goals meet right here.
Sumo squat benefits hit both with one lift.

Combine with traditional squats for complete development

One gives shape, the other gives power.
Together? Magic.

Action step: add 3×10–12 this week and feel the difference

Test it in your next session — glutes will be sending feedback tomorrow.

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