Front Squat Meaning in Weightlifting

The front squat involves squatting while holding a barbell across the front of the shoulders. The lifter keeps their elbows high to create a stable shelf for the bar. This exercise builds immense leg strength and core stability for the clean and jerk. It forces the athlete to maintain an upright torso throughout the entire range of motion. Unlike a back squat the weight sits in front of the center of gravity. This position places more emphasis on the quadriceps and the upper back muscles. A weightlifter performs five repetitions of this move to strengthen their clean recovery. Driving the elbows upward prevents the bar from rolling forward off the shoulders.