Thread: front squats????

two very different movements, don't think you can sub one for the other.

I really like front squats. Easy to stay in a correct position, greater loading of the quads than a back squat, easier to get a greater ROM than a back squat.

Definitely a solid movement.

Front squats, hands down. They're more functional and easier on the knees.

solido

Front squats are killer.

front squats...bar none..are one of the best and hardest exercise i've ever done for my legs. AWESOME if you have lower back problems and can't squat traditionally.

I do them both. front squats first, heavy weight lower reps at full ROM, 5 to 8 for 4 to 6 sets then leg extensions at higher reps 8 to 12 for 3 to 5 sets.

Good advice all around, I agree with all of it.

Oddly enough, with my herniated disk, I feel more discomfort with front squats than with back squats.

Recently, I was back squatting 275+ while the front squats were maybe 225. I understand why (physically) fronts should be better for the disks, but it didnt seem to be working that way for me.

Originally Posted by AKIRA

Oddly enough, with my herniated disk, I feel more discomfort with front squats than with back squats.

Recently, I was back squatting 275+ while the front squats were maybe 225. I understand why (physically) fronts should be better for the disks, but it didnt seem to be working that way for me.

How did you herniate your disc?

Bad stretch

Originally Posted by AKIRA

Bad stretch

Doing what?

Originally Posted by AKIRA

Oddly enough, with my herniated disk, I feel more discomfort with front squats than with back squats.

Recently, I was back squatting 275+ while the front squats were maybe 225. I understand why (physically) fronts should be better for the disks, but it didnt seem to be working that way for me.

That is SO odd - but you ultimately have to go with what works on your personal geometry.

I screwed up my back and fronts are fine, but backs aren't. Go figure. I DO go a bit lower in the weight for fronts - I get as much quad stimulation from a 135 front as I got from a 185 back, with less weight pushing down on my spine. For me, it's all good. But it's only good if it works for you.

it depends on how the disc was herniated and which way it protruded out, that will tell how you get more or less discomfort.

Makes sense. Thanks for that P-funk.

Originally Posted by AKIRA

Oddly enough, with my herniated disk, I feel more discomfort with front squats than with back squats.

Recently, I was back squatting 275+ while the front squats were maybe 225. I understand why (physically) fronts should be better for the disks, but it didnt seem to be working that way for me.

I fractured a vertabrae and front squats really hurt my back too. But so do back squats...

Do you guys use a belt went doing any type of squats?
I'm afraid of back injuries since I've done it enough at work so I always use a belt and have one of the trainers or an experiences lifter check my form from time to time. Haven't had any issues yet with front or back squats.

Originally Posted by rahaas

Do you guys use a belt went doing any type of squats?
I'm afraid of back injuries since I've done it enough at work so I always use a belt and have one of the trainers or an experiences lifter check my form from time to time. Haven't had any issues yet with front or back squats.

I've been thinking about getting a belt because my back is so weak now.

Originally Posted by RasPlasch

I've been thinking about getting a belt because my back is so weak now.

It's a good investment to save your spinal collumn. I bought mine on line at liftinglarge.com for $85.00 with shipping.

I deadlifted 545 for 8 last sunday with no residual back pain at all. Hams still feel like they will rip out of my backside though...

Originally Posted by rahaas

Do you guys use a belt went doing any type of squats?
I'm afraid of back injuries since I've done it enough at work so I always use a belt and have one of the trainers or an experiences lifter check my form from time to time. Haven't had any issues yet with front or back squats.

Originally Posted by RasPlasch

I've been thinking about getting a belt because my back is so weak now.

Originally Posted by rahaas

It's a good investment to save your spinal collumn. I bought mine on line at liftinglarge.com for $85.00 with shipping.

I deadlifted 545 for 8 last sunday with no residual back pain at all. Hams still feel like they will rip out of my backside though...

Have I had this wrong? I had been under the impression that the proper use of a belt is for max-effort lifting, where you stiffen your core by pushing your abs out on the belt. I didn't think you were supposed to wear it all the time to protect your back. I would have thought that by using a belt for all squats and deads, you'll just end up with a weaker back and core.

No?

Originally Posted by Built

Have I had this wrong? I had been under the impression that the proper use of a belt is for max-effort lifting, where you stiffen your core by pushing your abs out on the belt. I didn't think you were supposed to wear it all the time to protect your back. I would have thought that by using a belt for all squats and deads, you'll just end up with a weaker back and core.

No?

No. There's a slight difference between theory and practice

Hey AKIRA, what were you doing when you herniated your disc? You haven't answered my question

Originally Posted by Metallibanger

No. There's a slight difference between theory and practice

Can you expand upon this a little more, Metallibanger? I'll be honest here, I've not trained with a belt.

i have not used a belt i dead lift over 800lb and never hurt my back i was trained not to use unless you are going heavy so like was said you don't relie on it and you have a weak core and back so you sould not wear one unless you have back problems then yes wear one but if not then you don't unless you are going heavy

Originally Posted by Built

Have I had this wrong? I had been under the impression that the proper use of a belt is for max-effort lifting, where you stiffen your core by pushing your abs out on the belt. I didn't think you were supposed to wear it all the time to protect your back. I would have thought that by using a belt for all squats and deads, you'll just end up with a weaker back and core.

No?

I've heard that too regarding weaker back and core. In my personal experience since using one I have not found it to be true though. So far only positive results such as being able to push past previous stagnation thresholds on lifts such as deads and squats.
I'm using a belt for cleans now too, which are great BTW, thanks for the suggestion on them.
I don't use the belt for any other lifting.

I'm getting an Inzer so I can start pushing up the heavy work this fall - this discussion is interesting to me.

A good friend on another board suggested this model, so it's the one I'm getting:
Inzer Advance DesignsDetailed Information

No, I'm not getting pink (thought about it, but figured it would get dirty too fast!)

I'm pretty choked that it didn't come in leopard print though. And yes, I DID call them to ask.

Originally Posted by livinlarge

i have not used a belt i dead lift over 800lb and never hurt my back i was trained not to use unless you are going heavy so like was said you don't relie on it and you have a weak core and back so you sould not wear one unless you have back problems then yes wear one but if not then you don't unless you are going heavy

I think having lifted for a long time, genectics, and having form down pat might have allot to do with being confident enough to go heavy without a belt.
I'm a relative newbie lifting heavier stuff and have a family to feed at home so hurting my back is not an option.

Originally Posted by Built

Can you expand upon this a little more, Metallibanger? I'll be honest here, I've not trained with a belt.

If you wear a belt all the time you'll end up with a weaker core, that's for sure, but its use on these strength exercises (deads, squats, heavy rows, even presses...) allows you to safely lift hevier weight (you can lift significantly more weight with a belt), which obviously increases the strength of your lower back muscles. I don't see a belt necessarily as a safety tool, but as a strength one

Originally Posted by Built

I'm getting an Inzer so I can start pushing up the heavy work this fall - this discussion is interesting to me.

A good friend on another board suggested this model, so it's the one I'm getting:
Inzer Advance DesignsDetailed Information

No, I'm not getting pink (thought about it, but figured it would get dirty too fast!)

I'm pretty choked that it didn't come in leopard print though. And yes, I DID call them to ask.

Cool stuff, well on almost except for the pink belt
I'm looking forward to hearing your experience with the inzer. From what I hear they are top notch.
I use the titan toro. If nothing else I look like know what I'm doing in the gym