Sissy squat alternatives

A reverse Nordic curl retains knee-extension work with the hips extended. Leg extensions provide a seated machine option; goblet squats add a broader two-foot squat.

The original leans the torso and thighs back together from the knees, with raised heels and a stable hand support. Kneeling, sitting or a whole-foot squat changes its balance and hip position; do not assume the same difficulty.

Anatomical illustration of a supported bodyweight sissy squat at the standing and lowered positions, with the quadriceps highlighted.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Two side views of a woman performing a reverse Nordic curl on a mat: tall kneeling on the left and leaning backward with her hips straight on the right. The quadriceps are shaded red.

    Similar movement

    Reverse Nordic curl

    You need: Padded floor mat

    Why it fits
    Keeps knee-extension work with the hips held extended.
    What changes
    Kneel on a padded mat with the shins resting on the floor and lean back as one line. Kneeling support replaces the raised-heel standing position; no ankle anchor is required.
    See exercise guide
  • Two frames of the same anatomical illustration, side by side, of a man doing a two-legged leg extension on a plate-and-stack machine. He sits against a near-upright backrest holding the handles at his sides, shins behind the roller pad. In the left frame his knees are bent to about a right angle with the pad down by his ankles; in the right frame his knees are locked straight and his legs are horizontal, feet off the floor, the weight stack raised behind him. The quadriceps on both thighs are shaded red in both frames, as one group rather than a single head; the rest of the musculature is left grey.

    Similar movement

    Leg extension

    You need: Leg extension machine

    Why it fits
    Keeps resisted knee extension in a seated machine setup.
    What changes
    Align the knees with the machine pivot and place the roller above the ankles. Seated hip flexion and back support replace the sissy squat’s open hips and balance demand.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a woman holding one dumbbell at her chest while performing a goblet squat, with the thighs and glutes highlighted.

    Different movement

    Goblet squat

    You need: Dumbbells

    Why it fits
    Offers a broader two-foot squat for a leg-training slot.
    What changes
    Hold one dumbbell at the chest and bend the knees and hips with the whole feet planted. This replaces the extended-hip backward lean and raised heels; choose a separate squat load.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

Explore alternatives by exercise