Front Squats v. Back Squats

Ok friends....can I get some input on this issue please. Front squats or back squats....or both. Personal experience preferred. Thanks in advance.

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Permalink Reply by Marcos on March 28, 2010 at 1:53pm

Oh, geez, I can say I tried doing front squats but they are really dangerous lol Not safe at all. I prefer back squats!

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Permalink Reply by Roger on April 6, 2010 at 7:33pm

Front squats require good technique and are used by Olympic lifters. Keep the back straight and dont lean forward.
I prefer back squats because I can lift more and they are more comfortable and allow me to lift more.

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Permalink Reply by Ben Whitney on April 7, 2010 at 5:24pm

I like both, in fact I do both on leg day sometimes. You can go heavier on back squats and full squats bring the hams and especially the glutes into play. Front squats switch the emphasis more onto the quads and both are staples in my leg training.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew Higgins on April 9, 2010 at 10:17pm

Front squats are more for isolating your quads. Bodybuilders will use Front Squats in their pre-contest workouts to get separation and a "tear drop" look in their thighs. Back squats put more pressure on your lower back and are great for building mass. The back squat uses synergistic (helping) muscles like your glutes and even hamstrings. I love back squats, but if you get the form down on front squats, they are great! Try switching it up every couple of weeks, its always good to trick your muscles!

-Matt, NASM-Certified Personal Trainer

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Permalink Reply by Jeff Dennis on April 10, 2010 at 2:39pm

I like front squats but I just can't get comfortable no matter how I try to hold the bar. With back squats I can do set with over 400lbs and no pain or discomfort. Of course you a recruiting more glute and hamstring action with the back squat. Front squats are great for trying to isolate the quads but I can get the same results "more easily" with movements like the sissy or hack squats.

So, whatever works for you I guess :)

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Permalink Reply by Jason C Powell on April 12, 2010 at 6:53pm

I'm with Jeff on this one...Front Squats are a GREAT leg exercise...but I personally cannot get comfortable enough to relly push my legs...probably my back again.
I would recommend doing both...not both in every workout, but varied throughout several workouts.