Front Squats & Squats- Are They REALLY That Much Different???

[Texas Ranger]

Ok, to the guys that have tried them both. Do Front Squats REALLY shift more focus to the quads, instead of the glutes? I'm thinking about making Front Squats my main quad exercise along with Barbell Hack Squats, Heavy DB Lunges & Leg Extensions. I want REALLY to concentrate on my quad development without overdeveloping my glutes. What do you think???

 

[anthrax]

Ok, to the guys that have tried them both. Do Front Squats REALLY shift more focus to the quads, instead of the glutes?

Yes
And I feel front squat easier on the kness and lower back

 

[wnt2bBeast]

depends on your foot stance..same with reg squats if you use a narrower stance youll hit more quads and less glutes..i do reg squats 5x5 then front squats 2x8 or so..it is a little less taxing on your lower back..

 

[Backlash]

I find them to be quite different. Depends on how you do your back squats, az wnt2bbeast said.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

nothing wrong with doing fronts as your main..i was doing 5x5 front squats for a bit but i would always do bak squats as well..i think it would be better if you didfront squats as your main and instead of BB hacks you do reg squats

 

[casualbb]

I think it may seem different because the way you hold the bar forces an upright, narrow stance

but I think taking that same stance for back squats will emphasize the quads in the way you want

 

[Tom Treutlein]

It's different, but not by that much.

 

[wnt2bBeast]

I think it may seem different because the way you hold the bar forces an upright, narrow stance

but I think taking that same stance for back squats will emphasize the quads in the way you want

for those that have a problem squatting atf fronts are a good way to help you get low..you can go wide stance on fronts as well

 

[bignate73]

the difference i notice with front squats vs. OLY high bar squats is minimal. a bit more ab involvement when the bar is carried in the front, IMO.

 

[d3track]

use both
maybe alternate between workouts
i do reg squats with a fairly narrow stance, and i do feel front squats more in the lower quad area (vastius?)
and they have helped me in getting lower on the movement

 

[Dial_tone]

I feel front squats on the lower thighs alot more.

 

[b fold the truth]

I think that if having big legs is your main concern...then you need to focus on heavy and intense squats. I feel a lot more comfortable with back squats than I do front squats. Right now the weight does not feel heavy with front squats but holding the bar in that position causes problems. This, in turn, causes me to train with less weight AND intensity on front squats.

I did this after box squats and heavy deads.

434 Front Squat

B True

 

[wnt2bBeast]

nice clip B..i would agree with your thoughts..its much harder to balance the bar on the front then it is on your back

 

[Jollyrogers_cookin]

I feel more in the abs and quads for sure on fronts, I like doing them after reg skwats

 

[SlavikHavik]

I feel more in the abs and quads for sure on fronts, I like doing them after reg skwats

What about zerchers, man those are fun.

 

[Tagio]

NICE front squat B!!! that's some weight holding the bar is a lot easier/more comfortable in a clean grip but developing that specific flexibility may not be worthwhile for you.

i do oly highbar squats and front squats with the same foot placement. i feel there is a big difference, but i cant' really put my finger on it in terms of muscle groups

definitely more upper back tension in front squats, more lower back work in oly squats (for me). front squats are a really good core/posture under tension builder i think. back squats build better brute strength in the legs. there's always room for both depending on what you need!