TETSUBand One Arm Single Leg Split Squat vs Farmers Walk
The Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat and the Farmers Walk both train the quads as their primary muscle. The Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat uses a band while the Farmers Walk uses a dumbbell. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat | Farmers Walk | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | quads | quads |
| Body part | upper legs | upper legs |
| Supporting muscles | glutes and hamstrings | calves, forearms and core |
| Equipment | band | dumbbell |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 5 |
How each one starts
Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat — first steps
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and place a resistance band around your ankles.
- Extend one leg forward and rest the top of your foot on a bench or step behind you.
Farmers Walk — first steps
- Stand up straight with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your sides.
- Keep your back straight and your shoulders back.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range. The Farmers Walk works each side independently and demands more stabilizer control. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the quads adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat better than the Farmers Walk?
Neither is universally better — both train the quads as the primary mover. The Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range, while the Farmers Walk works each side independently and demands more stabilizer control. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat and the Farmers Walk in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the quads. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat and the Farmers Walk work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the quads. Supporting muscles differ slightly — glutes and hamstrings for the Band One Arm Single Leg Split Squat versus calves, forearms and core for the Farmers Walk.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.