Exercise 0039 · REF IeTIEqg
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
- Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly turned out.
- Hold the barbell in front of your chest with your hands shoulder-width apart, elbows pointing forward.
- 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.
- Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
- Pause for a moment at the bottom, then push through your heels to return to the starting position.
- 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
All Fours Squad Stretch
Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male)
Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch
Assisted Lying Gluteus And Piriformis Stretch
Assisted Prone Hamstring
Assisted Prone Lying Quads Stretch
More Glutes Exercises
Band Bent-Over Hip Extension
Band Hip Lift
Band Lying Hip Internal Rotation
Band Pull Through
Band Seated Hip Internal Rotation
Band Squat
Equipment Alternatives
Don't have barbell? These target the same glutes with different equipment.
Arms Apart Circular Toe Touch (male)
Assisted Lying Glutes Stretch
Band Bent-Over Hip Extension
Cable Deadlift
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.