The Secret To An Easier Front Squat

The barbell front squat is often an exercise that is neglected by novice lifters, due to various of reasons- with the main two reasons being a) how to properly hold the barbell throughout your squat range of motion, and b) not being able to lift as much weight as your normal barbell back squat. Understanding that the front squat is an essential movement to have in your leg-lifting arsenal, I am going to give you one helpful tip that should help you in countering the above reasons against the front squat.

---

There are several conventional styles of holding the barbell when performing a front squat (i.e. 1.) opposite hands on opposite shoulders- while holding the bar near the upper chest area 2.) holding the barbell in your fingertips). These main styles may work for some of you, but for others who lack the wrist mobility (like myself), or perform heavier front squats, I would encourage you to try the following "pro" tip.

Grab a pair of weight lifting straps, the brand shouldn't matter too much, but be sure to pay attention to any consumer reviews. I would recommend that the straps be on the "lengthier" side, with the length being about 21.5 inches long.

With these straps, you can click on the below video to be shown a demonstration, as well as voice over as to how to properly set up the straps on the barbell and make your front squat even better!

P.S. by no means am I recommending that you permanently substitute the lifting straps for your front squat. Rather, I encourage you to build up the wrist mobility (through static stretching) to be able to properly perform a front squat on your own.

Video:

Author:

Ivan Varela NASM CPT