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Front Squat (Clean Grip)

Front Squat (Clean Grip) is an intermediate compound barbell exercise that mainly works your quads, with help from your abs, glutes and hamstrings.

💪 Quads🏋️ Barbell📈 Intermediate🔗 Compound🎯 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps
Front Squat (Clean Grip): starting position
Starting position
Front Squat (Clean Grip): end position
End position

How to do the front squat (clean grip)

  1. To begin, first set the bar in a rack slightly below shoulder level. Rest the bar on top of the deltoids, pushing into the clavicles, and lightly touching the throat. Your hands should be in a clean grip, touching the bar only with your fingers to help keep it in position.
  2. Lift the bar off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head and elbows up at all times. This will be your starting position.
  3. Bend at the knees, sitting down between your legs. Continue down until your hamstrings are on your calves. Keep your knees aligned with your feet by consciously using your abductors to push your knees out as you squat.
  4. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor mainly with the heel or middle of your foot as you straighten the legs again and return to the starting position.

Muscles worked

Primary: QuadsSecondary: AbsSecondary: GlutesSecondary: Hamstrings

Sets and reps

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

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Front Squat (Clean Grip) alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

SquatBarbell · BeginnerGoblet SquatDumbbell · BeginnerLeg PressMachine · BeginnerBodyweight SquatBodyweight · BeginnerCable DeadliftsCable · BeginnerWeighted SquatOther · Intermediate

FAQ

What muscles does the front squat (clean grip) work?

It mainly works your quads; your abs, glutes and hamstrings assist.

How many sets and reps of front squat (clean grip) should I do?

For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.

Is the front squat (clean grip) good for beginners?

It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.

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