Barbell front squat exercise
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Barbell front squat

Exercise details

  • Movement pattern: Squat
  • Mechanics: Compound
  • Force: Push

Main muscles activated

Muscles activated by barbell front squat exercise

Instructions

Starting position

  1. Load a barbell on a rack at upper-chest height.
  2. Step under the barbell so that it rests on the front of your shoulders and place your fingers under the barbell, with your elbows pointing forward (if you do not have the flexibility to place your fingers under the barbell, you can cross your arms and place your hands on top of the barbell).
  3. Dismount the barbell and step backward carefully. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and pointing slightly outward.

Execution

  1. Inhale as you squat down by simultaneously pushing your butt backward and bending your knees forward. Keep your torso upright, and descend at least until your knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
  2. Exhale as you push your body back up to the starting position, driving through your heels and keeping your torso upright.
  3. Repeat.

Comments and tips

  • Keep your back straight, torso upright, head facing forward, and feet flat.
  • Keep your knees and feet pointing in the same direction.
  • Practice proper form with an unloaded barbell.
  • Start light and add weight gradually, allowing your legs and lower back time to adapt.
  • If lifting heavy, have a spotter ready, or use a squat rack or power rack.
  • The barbell squat and the barbell front squat work the same target and synergistic muscles. However, the barbell front squat puts more emphasis on your lower back.
  • The barbell front squat is more advanced than the barbell squat; however, it is not as effective at building mass, because it doesn’t permit as much weight to be lifted.
  • See also the barbell front box squat, the hack squat, and the dumbbell front squat. For an advanced exercise, try the barbell front squat to overhead press.

Barbell front squat video

Sources

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