Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Elevated Heel Squats for Quad Development & Deadlift Strength | Matt Wenning
Elevated heel squats are one of the best squat variations for building bigger quads, improving squat mechanics, and increasing strength off the floor in the deadlift.
By elevating the heels, lifters can achieve greater knee flexion, maintain a more upright torso, and place more emphasis on the quadriceps throughout the entire range of motion. This makes the movement especially valuable for athletes, powerlifters, and lifters with long femurs who struggle to stay upright during traditional squats.
In this video, Matt Wenning explains how elevated heel squats can help improve lower-body strength, address weak points in the deadlift, and provide a powerful hypertrophy stimulus for the quads while reducing technical limitations caused by ankle mobility restrictions.
Benefits of Elevated Heel Squats:
• Increased quadriceps development
• Improved deadlift starting strength
• Better squat positioning and posture
• Greater training volume with less technical breakdown
• Useful for athletes, powerlifters, and general fitness enthusiasts
Whether you’re trying to build muscle, improve athletic performance, or increase your deadlift, elevated heel squats deserve a place in your training program.
Learn more about coaching, training programs, and educational resources at:
🌐 wenningstrength.com
Elevated Heel Squats for Quad Development & Deadlift Strength | Matt Wenning
Elevated heel squats are one of the best squat variations for building bigger quads, improving squat mechanics, and increasing strength off the floor in the deadlift.
By elevating the heels, lifters can achieve greater knee flexion, maintain a more upright torso, and place more emphasis on the quadriceps throughout the entire range of motion. This makes the movement especially valuable for athletes, powerlifters, and lifters with long femurs who struggle to stay upright during traditional squats.
In this video, Matt Wenning explains how elevated heel squats can help improve lower-body strength, address weak points in the deadlift, and provide a powerful hypertrophy stimulus for the quads while reducing technical limitations caused by ankle mobility restrictions.
Benefits of Elevated Heel Squats:
• Increased quadriceps development
• Improved deadlift starting strength
• Better squat positioning and posture
• Greater training volume with less technical breakdown
• Useful for athletes, powerlifters, and general fitness enthusiasts
Whether you’re trying to build muscle, improve athletic performance, or increase your deadlift, elevated heel squats deserve a place in your training program.
Learn more about coaching, training programs, and educational resources at:
🌐 wenningstrength.com
