Front Squat vs Back Squat?

[KOdestruction]

K so today i stumbled upon this video:

Ignoring the first 15 seconds or so where he seems like a complete douchebag, he brings up some interesting points in the video like the whole posture problem and your core taking more of a workout with front squats (i've never done front squats so i'm just taking his word for that for now)

My question here is simple: Which one do you prefer and why?

[MirFan]

I always do front squats, but more out of necessity then anything (I dont have a squat rack). Although thinking about it now, even if I did, I would still stick to them mostly because they transfer well to olympic style lifts.

[Acepitbull]

I agree with some of what is said in the video, but the guy overstates the case. Often people like front squats for the same reason many focus on bench and curls. In a way, quads are like the chest and biceps of the legs. Everyone prioritizes them because they are what you see in the mirror and what others notice on the beach.

Back squats work the hamstrings more and the gutes much more than front squats. Back squats are better for overall leg development. Back squats are superior for working the adductors. Full back squats also work the lower back better. This is why if I had to pick one, I would choose back squats.

But……….front squats are good too. They put most of the work on the quads versus back squats. They also work the abdominal muscles better. A lot of people don't feel comfortable with the bar position in front squats, but you get used to it, just like back squats.

In a nut shell, I say alternate the exercises. I usually will alternate every 4 months or so. I squat twice a week doing back squats for 4 months, then front squats for 4 months. I like the way I do it, but to each his own.

If you only do front squats, I would recommend that you do other exercises to work the gutes and hamstrings. You want the whole of the lower body to be strong. You especially don’t want the quads to be a lot stronger than the hamstrings. This has been known to cause lots of injuries and problems.

I think deadlifts and back squats are essential for any real athlete, but front squats are good too.

[biscuits69]

Everything Acepitbull said,

front squats are generally safer cuz they put less load on your core/lower back. But they do promote muscle imbalance even more since it uses even more quads (like he said)

[Fearless6691]

Elliot Hulse is a cool dude, and a fucking great S&C Coach, I've talked to him quite a few times. The intro is just to get views and to seem personable (Not boring and monotone like Rippletoe). I agree with everything this guy says, he is an animal, you guys should check out some of his competitions.