Front vs regular squat

[N_I_C_K]

What is the difference between a front squat and regular squat? I know like how to hold them and all that stuff but why do I do so much less on front squat than regular? Does it work different muscles/certain muscles more? Also is there a benefit to doing one over the other, if so, which is better to do?

 

[ManoMan1117]

What is the difference between a front squat and regular squat? I know like how to hold them and all that stuff but why do I do so much less on front squat than regular? Does it work different muscles/certain muscles more? Also is there a benefit to doing one over the other, if so, which is better to do?

The difference is since the line of gravity with a front squat is infront of your body it is a more quad dominant exercise, rather than the back squat where the line of gravity is behind your body so it is more hip dominant (glutes, hams) and works your posterior chain. In a front squat you have no choice but to keep your torso straight , as you flex and extend hips,,in a back squat your torso if free to move forward (like a goodmorning) as you flex and extend the hips so your lower back can help you "cheat" if you wanna call it that, in a backsquat if you lean your torso forward the weight will fall.
This short article will help you with the benefits and pro's n con's of both---->Front Squats vs. Back Squats | StrongLifts.com

Basically though back squat is going to allow you to use more weight and develop your posterior chain more effectively.. I would switch to front squat time to time just to change things up a bit or do some quad work... i would only avoid back squat if i had a lower back issue, or if i was just more focused on strength phase of training.

 

[BIGBLUECHEVELLE]

^^^^ this guy hit the nail on the head. I do both on my legs days to kill them. Obviously i do back squat first but front square really works your core and isolate the quads that's why i really started doing front squads my ass is big enough and firm ha time to add some muscle to the quads.

 

[big60235]

Enough said!!! Spot on answer ManoMan.

 

[N_I_C_K]

The difference is since the line of gravity with a front squat is infront of your body it is a more quad dominant exercise, rather than the back squat where the line of gravity is behind your body so it is more hip dominant (glutes, hams) and works your posterior chain. In a front squat you have no choice but to keep your torso straight , as you flex and extend hips,,in a back squat your torso if free to move forward (like a goodmorning) as you flex and extend the hips so your lower back can help you "cheat" if you wanna call it that, in a backsquat if you lean your torso forward the weight will fall.
This short article will help you with the benefits and pro's n con's of both---->Front Squats vs. Back Squats | StrongLifts.com

Basically though back squat is going to allow you to use more weight and develop your posterior chain more effectively.. I would switch to front squat time to time just to change things up a bit or do some quad work... i would only avoid back squat if i had a lower back issue, or if i was just more focused on strength phase of training.

That was perfect. Thank you very much.