The Best Accessory Exercises to Build a Stronger Squat

If your goal is to build a stronger squat, simply squatting more isn't always the answer. While the squat should remain the foundation of your lower-body training, the right accessory exercises can help strengthen weak points, build muscle, improve stability, and ultimately increase your squat numbers.

Three of the best accessories to pair with squats are Bulgarian split squats, leg extensions, and hack squats. Each exercise trains the legs differently, allowing you to build strength without relying entirely on the barbell squat.

1. Bulgarian Split Squats

Bulgarian split squats are one of the best single-leg exercises for improving squat strength.

Because you're training one leg at a time, they expose and help correct strength imbalances between your legs. They also place a huge demand on the quads and glutes while requiring plenty of balance and stability.

For squat strength, try performing Bulgarian split squats after your main squat work.

Example:

• 3–4 sets

• 6–10 reps per leg

• Controlled eccentric

• Rest 1–2 minutes between sets

You don't need to go extremely heavy. Maintaining good technique and getting a deep, controlled range of motion is often more beneficial than simply chasing weight.

2. Leg Extensions

Leg extensions are a simple but effective way to give your quads additional volume after squatting.

Your quadriceps play a major role in driving out of the bottom of a squat, particularly as you transition through the sticking point. Leg extensions allow you to train the quads directly without adding significant fatigue to your back or hips.

They're especially useful toward the end of a workout when you've already completed your heavy compound movements.

Example:

• 3–4 sets

• 10–15 reps

• Controlled movement

• 1–2 second squeeze at the top

Because leg extensions are an isolation exercise, they're a great opportunity to focus on controlled reps rather than moving as much weight as possible.

3. Hack Squats

Hack squats are another excellent accessory for building squat strength because they allow you to train the legs hard while providing more stability than a traditional barbell squat.

They place a significant emphasis on the quads and can be particularly useful for accumulating additional leg volume without requiring as much balance or core stabilization.

If you've already done heavy back squats, hack squats allow you to continue pushing your legs without having to support a heavy barbell on your back.

Example:

• 3–4 sets

• 6–12 reps

• Full, controlled range of motion

• 2–3 minutes rest

Don't be afraid to use a challenging weight, but prioritize depth and control over loading the machine with as many plates as possible.

How to Combine Them With Squats

A strong lower-body workout doesn't need to include every accessory exercise you know. In fact, when your main goal is improving your squat strength, adding too many movements can create unnecessary fatigue and make it harder to recover.

For most squat-focused workouts, it's best to pair your squats with just one accessory exercise. This gives you enough additional work to strengthen and build the muscles involved in the squat without overworking your legs.

For example, you could choose:

• Back Squat + Bulgarian Split Squat — great for building unilateral strength, stability, and overall leg development.

• Back Squat + Hack Squat — a strong combination for adding more quad-focused strength and muscle.

• Back Squat + Leg Extension — ideal when you want to finish your workout with targeted quad work.

You can also use two different accessories alongside squats, but this is best saved for a lighter training day where you're using fewer overall sets and aren't pushing every exercise to your limit.

The goal is to make your accessories support your squat, not compete with it. If you're already doing a demanding squat session, one well-chosen accessory is often more than enough. On lighter days, adding a second accessory can give you some extra volume without unnecessarily increasing fatigue.

Ultimately, quality matters more than quantity. Choose the accessory that best addresses what you want to improve, train it hard with good form, and give yourself enough time to recover before your next heavy squat session.

This setup starts with your most demanding strength movement and gradually moves toward exercises that are better suited for accumulating muscle-building volume.

Why These Accessories Work

The biggest advantage of these three exercises is that they complement the squat rather than simply trying to replace it.

Bulgarian split squats improve unilateral strength, stability, and leg development.

Hack squats allow you to accumulate heavy quad-focused volume with less stabilization demand.

Leg extensions isolate the quads and add extra volume without placing additional stress on your spine.