Traditional Squats v.s. Front Squats [Forum Archive]

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Traditional Squats v.s. Front Squats

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Posted by: Phineas

I recently took up Front Squats in one of my two alternating programs as an alternative to traditional squats. My friend at the gym suggest them. Can someone tell me how Front Squats work the body differently than traditional squats? For instance, is there more emphasis on inner/outer quads, less back, more back, etc?

Thanks in advance.

Posted by: P-funk

More quad dominant
More of an upright torso
Less forward lean - potentially leading to less lower back issues
Possible issues with thoracic flexion if the individual is not able to drive sufficient thoracic extension

and, in case you haven't noticed...the bar is held on the front and not the back.

patrick

Posted by: CowPimp

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

More quad dominant
More of an upright torso
Less forward lean - potentially leading to less lower back issues
Possible issues with thoracic flexion if the individual is not able to drive sufficient thoracic extension

and, in case you haven't noticed...the bar is held on the front and not the back.

patrick

P-meister summed it up pretty well. Just to clarify one of his points, regarding the reduced forward lean. The reason people tend to have fewer issues with the front squat as far as lower back health is because of the type of stress it puts on the spine.

The spine is much better able to tolerate an axial load, or additional compression, versus a shearing force. Shearing forces increase with additional forward lean as there is now more torque at the lower back as opposed to compressive force (Though there is obviously some of both).

Also, if you use a clean style front squat, which is my preference, then a demand on wrist flexibility is now part of the squat. Additionally, from my experience, people tend to achieve a little bit more depth on the front squat, and definitely more knee flexion; hence, part of the reason it is more quad-dominant.

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Traditional Squats v.s. Front Squats

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