Front Squat VS. Back Squat

[JKurz1]

I got LEGS today, and was thinking about hitting up some front squats instead of back.........what do you guys think? You do them? Think they are comparable (test. producing) as back squats? Routines? Mucho K!

 

[ohashi]

They target the quads better. I throw them in every once in a while (about every three leg workouts), but I'm not sure of their benefit over the hack squat, which seems to provide similar targeting and loat.

 

[blut wump]

I find I'm spending more concentration holding onto the bar than doing the squat. I often mix in what I call a hack squat but which I've seen others call a deadlift with the bar behind.
You could look up Zercher squats.

 

[ohashi]

I often mix in what I call a hack squat but which I've seen others call a deadlift with the bar behind.

That's a hack-squat. Most people only recognize it through the machine, though, thus the ignorance in the name.

Edit: http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/hack_squat.htm

 

[Madcow2]

Back squats allow you to apply a greater load to the body as you can handle more. Front squats are a great exercise. If you've never trained them consistently for a period of time it's worth a shot. It's probably the second most used squat (counting olympic/power back squats together as the first and ignoring the bullshit partials that are no doubt the most popular by a wide margin and generally performed by stick-legged people who enjoy hearing plates rattle).

 

[wnt2bBeast]

Back squats allow you to apply a greater load to the body as you can handle more. Front squats are a great exercise. If you've never trained them consistently for a period of time it's worth a shot. It's probably the second most used squat (counting olympic/power back squats together as the first and ignoring the bullshit partials that are no doubt the most popular by a wide margin and generally performed by stick-legged people who enjoy hearing plates rattle).

they are going to feel very awkward if youve never done them before..if you want to demolish your legs try some pause squats..i dont really buy into the whole idea that fronts hit your quads more..i think they are great core exercise

 

[ohashi]

i dont really buy into the whole idea that fronts hit your quads more..i think they are great core exercise

It's not an idea; I can feel them hitting the quads more and the hams less (though not by a lot). A lot of experienced lifters will echo this experience, but it is by no means a statement that they are purely a front-quad exercise.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

It's not an idea; I can feel them hitting the quads more and the hams less (though not by a lot). A lot of experienced lifters will echo this experience, but it is by no means a statement that they are purely a front-quad exercise.

ive done them and i do them as well..its my experience i dont feel much difference in my quads..remember stance comes into play here as well...

 

[JKurz1]

PAUSE SQUATS..........explain............weight used? Light?

 

[gymtime]

they are going to feel very awkward if youve never done them before..if you want to demolish your legs try some pause squats..i dont really buy into the whole idea that fronts hit your quads more..i think they are great core exercise

I'd have to agree with this. I think people tend to think that they hit the quads significantly more because they "feel it" more when they do them. I think this is probably true when you first start doing them, as they definitely take some adjusting to. But if you start doing them with consistency, you'll likely end up doing them in almost the exact same motion as you would in a standard back squat.

I think they're definitely a great change up. I throw them in once in a while.

I'd be curious to find out if, as the bar is in a more forward position, if shearing forces on the knees are increased, or there's a significant difference there at all.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

PAUSE SQUATS..........explain............weight used? Light?

i posted a vid of this as well not too long ago..
take your normal squat stance..descend into the hole go as low as you normally do hold for a 3 count snd then squat back up..its a lot of fun LOL obviously these arent super heavy but when you get used to them you can use up to 80-85% of your max..ill dig up the video for ya

 

[wnt2bBeast]

here ya go..

http://www.teamtaylor.net/~teamtayl/Videos/John570sq.wmv

 

[wnt2bBeast]

I'd have to agree with this. I think people tend to think that they hit the quads significantly more because they "feel it" more when they do them. I think this is probably true when you first start doing them, as they definitely take some adjusting to. But if you start doing them with consistency, you'll likely end up doing them in almost the exact same motion as you would in a standard back squat.

I think they're definitely a great change up. I throw them in once in a while.

I'd be curious to find out if, as the bar is in a more forward position, if shearing forces on the knees are increased, or there's a significant difference there at all.

i didnt notice any knee pain but i tend to squat wide and i do my fronts rather wide as well and super deep..

 

[anthrax]

i posted a vid of this as well not too long ago..
take your normal squat stance..descend into the hole go as low as you normally do hold for a 3 count snd then squat back up..its a lot of fun LOL obviously these arent super heavy but when you get used to them you can use up to 80-85% of your max..ill dig up the video for ya

I squat ass to the grass and I've heard that pausing in such a position puts A LOT of stress on the knees..... ?

 

[wnt2bBeast]

I squat ass to the grass and I've heard that pausing in such a position puts A LOT of stress on the knees..... ?

not sure what you are asking me..try em out if its too stressful then dont do them..it wont kill you to not do them but they are an effective exercise to increase your squat..box squats are just as good if not better

Ive had knee problems in the past but a wider stance has allowed me to squat pretty much pain free as well as wrap free..i only wrap when testing maxes..and i dont use any wraps when box squatting

 

[anthrax]

not sure what you are asking me..try em out if its too stressful then dont do them..it wont kill you to not do them but they are an effective exercise to increase your squat..box squats are just as good if not better

Ive had knee problems in the past but a wider stance has allowed me to squat pretty much pain free as well as wrap free..i only wrap when testing maxes..and i dont use any wraps when box squatting

My concern is about pausing for a few seconds while your hammies are touching your calves (ass to the grass position)

the patella tendon is then fully extended

I may try a wider stance though

 

[wnt2bBeast]

you watch the video clip?
570 on the bar after reg squats
thats a rather close stance from a PL comp stance

try em out light see if theyll help you

 

[wnt2bBeast]

im thinking jkurz crushed himself under the bar doing front squats since he didnt update us lol

 

[roidpuple]

if you think they target you muslce different maybe 3% different...
they are not going to do any different than regualr squats..
only reason I would do them would just to shake things up a little from the same oh same oh....if you are looking for a better leg workout .... front is equale to back... effecting the legs... but when i put the bar on my back i can balance it pretty good almost dont even need my hands so it is a lot easier i can just focus on my legs ... when bar is in the front it is more to think about.... but effects legs the same

 

[KillahBee]

back squats are my main movement. I tryto fit Zercher squats in there as they are amazing for the core.

 

[JKurz1]

Did em.............5 sets............I've done them many times before, just not in awhile........pause squats may be next week..............how much do you guys use? And how much do you front sqt?

 

[JohnRobHolmes]

i feel that front squats hit my quads a lot more, and my posture has to be more upright to counterbalance the weight. i dont really get much hammie work from squats anyway, but my quads explode with front squats.

i can front squat as much as my back squat. only about 165 5x5, but i gotta protect my knees and my bodyweight is about 140 right now- so i guess 165 aint too shabby.

 

[JKurz1]

We got this olympic sprinted in the gym who's about 185 and shredded........anways, when I walked in, he was front squating around 250 for deep reps.......I waited, then felt like such a friggn girl..........granted I only got him by 5 pounds, but I'm convinced, form and technique are key!

 

[wnt2bBeast]

form is always key on any move involving heavy weights..

i tend to do fronts with a wide stance but im able to got ATF and have worked up to 405 for a solid triple

i squat super wide with a PL stance now much like CV and the westside guys so obviously you cant get atf..dont know the direct carry over but it can be large for some people..over 100lbs