Front Squat (Bodybuilder)

The barbell front squat is a compound exercise that targets the lower body muscle groups. With the barbell rested on the anterior delts, the front squat puts extra emphasis on the quads and glutes, but also requires the upper back and core strength to stay upright. This movement can be used as a variation of the back squat, as an accessory lift for either squats or deadlifts, or as a primary exercise for building strength and muscle. Though front squats may be more difficult to learn than back squats, many lifters and athletes prefer them for their superior results. Despite the initial discomfort and learning curve, the barbell front squat is an incredibly effective exercise for building strength and size in the lower body.

1. Set the bar in a rack slightly below shoulder level so that when under it, your knees are slightly bent. Rest the bar on top of the deltoids, pushing into the clavicles, and lightly touching the throat.
2. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, bring your arms up under the bar while keeping the elbows high and the upper arm parallel to the floor. Rest the bar on top of the deltoids and cross your arms while grasping the bar for total control.
3. Push upward into the bar and push your hips forward to unrack. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head and elbows up at all times. Keep a neutral neck and flat back. This will be your starting position.
4. Descend into a squat by pushing your hips and butt backwards. Continue down until the upper legs are at or just below parallel to the floor. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
5. Drive up through your heels, pushing your feet and knees out. Continue upward, maintaining tightness head to toe, until you have returned to the starting position. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

1. Choose the correct height for the bar and ensure it is loaded properly.
2. Cross your arms and grasp the bar for total control.
3. Push upward into the bar and push your hips forward to unrack.
4. Maintain a shoulder-width medium stance with toes slightly pointed out.
5. Keep your head and elbows up at all times, with a neutral neck and flat back.
6. Ensure your upper legs are at or just below parallel to the floor when descending into the squat.
7. Drive up through your heels, pushing your feet and knees out.
8. Maintain tightness from head to toe throughout the movement.
9. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

One way to incorporate the barbell front squat into workouts is to use it as a primary exercise for building strength and size in the lower body. It can be performed as part of a leg day routine or as a standalone exercise. Here's an example of how to incorporate it into a leg day workout: 1. Warm up: Start with a few minutes of light cardio to get your blood flowing. Then, perform dynamic stretches for your hips, shoulders, and ankles to improve mobility. 2. Barbell front squats: Start with a weight that challenges you but allows you to maintain proper form. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions. Focus on maintaining an upright posture, pushing through your heels, and keeping your core engaged throughout the movement. 3. Superset with Romanian deadlifts: After each set of front squats, immediately perform a set of Romanian deadlifts. This exercise targets the hamstrings and glutes. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions. 4. Bulgarian split squats: This exercise further targets the quads and glutes. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions on each leg. Use dumbbells or a barbell for added resistance if desired. 5. Leg press: Finish off your leg workout with leg presses to target the quads, glutes, and hamstrings. Perform 3-4 sets of 8-12 repetitions, gradually increasing the weight with each set.