Back squat vs front squat

[Straxfox]

Is there a reason that more people do back squats than front squats? From what I understand back squats focus more on the glutes while front squats focus more on the quads. Do back squats just work more body parts than front squats and is therefore a better all-around exercise or is everyone trying to get that bubble butt aesthetics?

[LaIronGirl]

Front Squats and Back Squats work different muscles in different ways because the placement of the bar causes slight changes in motion of the spine, hips, knees and ankles.

Front Squats emphasize the quadriceps and the upper back. They also require a more upright posture, working your core to stabilize you.

Back Squats focus more on the hips, glutes and lower back, and are less tedious when performing high-rep, deep fatiguing sets.

Both lifts recruit all these muscles together, but the emphasis shifts from one lift to the other.

I think more people do back squats because front squats require more upper back mobility than back squats. Front squats also require much more wrist flexibility and shoulder mobility to rack the bar, as well as hip and groin mobility to squat low with your knees in line with your toes.

So, If you want, you could alternate them in your routine and get the best of both worlds

[sooby]

Well back squats are one of the big three powerlifting movements. Back squats work more of the overall legs and allows you to press more weight. Front squats are a bit harder to learn for beginners due to the clean position. In general I find that front squats require more ankle mobility not to mention more mobility overall. If you can't get to parallel or if you don't have good back squat form, your front squat form sure as hell won't be any different. Also in front squats, sometimes your sternum will give out quicker than your quads.

[RustedIron]

Back squats are a primary movement pattern. Front squats are an assistance exercise to supplement that primary movement pattern.