Which squat style builds more muscle and burn more fuel?
Acute physiological responses with varying load or time under tension during a squat exercise: A randomized cross-over design.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
This study tested three ways to do squats: slow reps, heavy weight, and normal reps to see which makes your muscles work harder and your body burn more energy.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Max 100Randomized Controlled Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional Studies
Max 44Case Reports & Case Series
Max 30Expert Opinion & Narrative Reviews
Max 541 / 90
Evidence Score
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. Considered the gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
This study tested three ways to do squats: slow reps, heavy weight, and normal reps to see which makes your muscles work harder and your body burn more energy.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Max 100Randomized Controlled Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional Studies
Max 44Case Reports & Case Series
Max 30Expert Opinion & Narrative Reviews
Max 541 / 90
Evidence Score
Participants are randomly assigned to treatment or control groups, minimizing bias. Considered the gold standard for testing whether an intervention causes an effect.
Publication
Authors
Corradi EFF, Lanza MB, Lacerda LT, Andrushko JW, Martins-Costa HC, Diniz RCR, Lima FV, Chagas MH
Related Content
Claims (4)
When performing squats with a heavier weight (70% of maximum strength) instead of a lighter weight (60% of maximum strength), the quadriceps muscle on the front of the thigh shows about 10% higher electrical activity, regardless of how slowly the movement is performed.
When performing squats, the hamstring muscle on the back of the thigh shows higher electrical activity when lifting 70% of a person's maximum weight compared to lifting 60% with slow reps, and this difference is greater in the second set than in the first.
When performing squats with a six-second tempo per repetition instead of four seconds at 60% of maximum strength, blood lactate levels rise higher after the first and third sets, suggesting greater metabolic stress from the slower movement.
When performing squats with slow, controlled repetitions lasting six seconds, blood lactate levels rise more than when performing squats with heavier weights at 70% of one-repetition maximum, with a measurable difference of about 17% higher after the third set.