Exercise 0039 · REF IeTIEqg

Barbell Front Chest Squat exercise animation

Barbell Front Chest Squat

Category
Upper Legs
Equipment
Barbell
Target
Glutes

The barbell front chest squat holds the bar across the front of the shoulders in a crossed-arm or clean grip, keeping the torso more upright than a back squat and shifting emphasis toward the quads. The front-loaded position also demands more core and upper back strength just to keep the bar from pitching forward. It's a natural complement to back squats for lifters who want more quad-dominant work.

How to Do the Barbell Front Chest Squat

  1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
  2. Hold the barbell in front of your chest with your hands shoulder-width apart, elbows pointing forward.
  3. Engage your core and keep your chest up as you lower your body down into a squat position, pushing your hips back and bending your knees.
  4. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
  5. Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Barbell Front Chest Squat primarily targets the Glutes, with Quadriceps as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Hamstrings, Calves, Core.

More Upper Legs Exercises

More Glutes Exercises

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have barbell? These target the same glutes with different equipment.

FAQ

What muscles does the Barbell Front Chest Squat work?
The Barbell Front Chest Squat primarily targets the glutes, with the quadriceps and hamstrings, calves, core assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Barbell Front Chest Squat?
The Barbell Front Chest Squat is done with a barbell.
What's a good alternative to the Barbell Front Chest Squat?
If you don't have access to a barbell, the Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male) targets the same glutes using body weight instead.