Summary: <p></p> <p><br></p> <p><a href="http://iws.punahou.edu/user/lcouillard/Front%20squat.m4v">Download file</a> (right-click and "save as...")</p> <p>Troy Hotz, Punahou Strength and Conditioning Coach, Punahou School, explains some do's and don'ts when attempting squats. </p> <p>Keith Wassung writes: The barbell front squat is a phenomenal, yet seldom performed version of the regular barbell squat. This exercise directs a great deal of focus onto the front part of the thigh, especially the vastus medalis, which is the part of the lower thigh above the knee that looks like a teardrop, the rectus femoris, or center thigh, and the hamstrings. There is also an effect on the hips, lower back and to some extent, the abdominal wall. The front squat is not a replacement for the back squat, but if done effectively, can be a tremendous boost to overall lower body strength, development and flexibility. Here's the rest of his excellent write-up.</p> <p>Front squats are tricky to get used to-but its important that you develop the technical skills needed to become comfortable with this movement. In the majority of cases, people feel awkward when first attempting this exercise, which often results in them failing to include it in their routine.</p>
