Front squat question

[Shades McCool]

Ok I want to know what the best alternative to front squats are. I do back squats on Monday and Friday, but the front squats are on Wednesday.

I really dont feel comfortable doing the front squats and I would like to know if there is a lift that is as taxing on the quads.

All suggestions would be helpful.

 

[WarriorPL]

You can Zercher's squats. You hold the bar in your elbow pits in front of you.

 

[louden_swain]

Front squats can be uncomfortable for several people. . .they are for me as I can never get the form down. If you are looking to blitz the quads efficiently, I personally recommend these exercises.

Hack Squats: 3 sets x 10-15 reps

When performing hack squats, squat as low as possible. A close stance with feet forward will attack your lower and front quads like no other exercise. Hacks are great if you are wanting to specifically focus on your quads without placing additional stress on the lower back. If hacks do no work out. . .then. . .

Leg Presses: 3 sets x 10-15 reps

to get the fullest range of motion be sure to set the seat in the lowest position. I also recommend that you use a shoulder width stance and be sure to let the quads travel to the side of your chest. It is important that you do not go so deep where your lower back will roll out of the seat. Never lock out at the top, always keep continuous motion on the quads.

Leg Extensions: 3 sets x 10-15 reps

This is a great exercise for isolating the quads, but do not expect to gain any strength in the hip area. These should be used to promote flood flow in the quads and around the knees before you start heavy squatting or leg pressing.

Back Squats: 3 x 10-15 reps

This is probably the best overall body developer out there. Be sure to sit back, keep torso straight, head up, and squat to parallel or to near parallel position. If you are looking to place more stress on the quads. . .use a closer stance.

Overall, there are a number of options that you can use. Find out what works for you and run with it: Good luck my friend!

LS

 

[Shades McCool]

LS, you are the man. I am thinking about using hacks or leg presses. This workout I am on kicks ass!

 

[edgecrusher]

What feels uncomfortable about the front squats?

 

[BigBadBootyDaddy29]

Shades, those are all good alternatives, but what is your main problem with the front squat? From how you are aquatting 3 times a week, I am guessing you are on some type of Heavy-Light-Medium system....the reason fronts are done in the middle on the light day is because the poundages used are lighter than what one can handle in a back squat, so be careful with things like leg presses where you can use some serious loads because you'll be shot for back squats on Friday......Also, does your routine include cleaning? If it does the front squats are important, and I would advise you figure out what you're doing wrong and correct it......this is from a strangth athlete's perspective, but if you are bodybuilding, you can use a wide variety of alternatives, many of which were mentioned in the previous post, also if you are bodybuilding you really don't need to squat 3x a week, but if you're training for strength, as I suspect you are from the sound of things, I would address the front squat and get it down, if you want a big clean and a way to train legs on a light day....for strength, and athletic conditioning, the best way to develop strength that carries over to real life is to do movements where the only thing between the weight and the ground is your body, hence any type of squat.....while leg presses and leg extensions will develop your legs, you need to look at your goals, if it is strength and conditioning, you really need to evaluate the front squat and get them down....even if you use simply the bar, but if you really wanna hit yur quads in between back squat sessions, do hacks, exercises where the only thing between the floor and you is the weight......

 

[edgecrusher]

High bar olympic squats are also good for hitting the quads.

 

[Shades McCool]

The problem I am having with the front squat is it is not comfortable to hold the bar up on my shoulders like I am supposed to. Thats the problem.

Yes you are right I am doing strength training right now. You are also right about the fact that I am doing cleans also. They are first every Monday and Friday. On Wednesday I do my hang cleans.

Do you have anything you can help me out with when it comes to the front squat?

 

[SeymourCuts]

The problem I am having with the front squat is it is not comfortable to hold the bar up on my shoulders like I am supposed to. Thats the problem.

Yes you are right I am doing strength training right now. You are also right about the fact that I am doing cleans also. They are first every Monday and Friday. On Wednesday I do my hang cleans.

Do you have anything you can help me out with when it comes to the front squat?

Have you tried a Stingray? I don't do Front Squats anymore without it.

 

[Mildot]

Yeah, sounds like the Stingray may be just the ticket for you.
I love front squats, but the bar kills my front delts, even with a pad on the bar. I just say fuck it, and keep banging away at 'em.