Front squat grip

[JerG]

I'm knew to front squats as I used to just do back squats. I've tried the two grips, clean grip and "hands together" grip. I feel more comfortable with hands-together grip, even though I feel a little bit choked. Clean grip just requires too much shoulder stability.

I don't plan on competing as an oly lifter, so does it really matter which grip I use?

[Lencho]

Originally Posted by JerG

I'm knew to front squats as I used to just do back squats. I've tried the two grips, clean grip and "hands together" grip. I feel more comfortable with hands-together grip, even though I feel a little bit choked. Clean grip just requires too much shoulder stability.

I don't plan on competing as an oly lifter, so does it really matter which grip I use?

When I use the cross-arm grip, I tended to lean forward a bit. When I got the clean grip down, I didn't. If you can keep from leaning forward with the cross-arm grip, it doesn't matter which one you use.

[killatiger]

Then I would personally use which is more comfortable.

[JerG]

Originally Posted by Lencho

When I use the cross-arm grip, I tended to lean forward a bit. When I got the clean grip down, I didn't. If you can keep from leaning forward with the cross-arm grip, it doesn't matter which one you use.

When I went clean grip, I just wanted to dump the weight forward. I don't think I was leaning forward too much with hands together, I was still pushing with my heels.

Originally Posted by killatiger

Then I would personally use which is more comfortable.

Makes sense.

And lol, I can't even spell "new"

[jdoh12981]

Well, all I can say is that Arnold used the hands together arms crossed grip for fronts, which is what I do. The 'clean' grip is just simply not comfortable for me, however I can't see how the grip would be a factor in the effectiveness of the lift. I'd go with what's comfortable.

[94formulabird]

Ive always used the clean grip but Ive been interested to try the hands together. I dont think either one has its advantages over the other...just depends on your workout and exercise selection

ie...When I do thrusters..I clean the bar, do a front squat and when I come up I push up into a shoulder press therefore I need to use the clean grip

[5G]

Originally Posted by JerG

does it really matter which grip I use?

nope, do whatever is more comfortable.

[bookv]

It's all personal preference, I like to use the clean grip b/c I feel the weight is more stabilized.

[Kiknskreem]

Originally Posted by 94formulabird

I dont think either one has its advantages over the other...just depends on your workout and exercise selection

The clean grip is both more secure, and safer in the event that you have to dump the bar.

[becky21]

I use the hands together grip, only instead of crossing my hands over the bar like most do, I do a slight variation in which I put each hand on the opposite elbow. This is the most comfortable grip I've found.

[DtotheJtotheH]

I have used both. I feel more stable with the clean style grip, but that takes a lot of wrist flexibility. The cross , or just having thumbs hooked works just as well.

[Kiknskreem]

Originally Posted by becky21

I use the hands together grip, only instead of crossing my hands over the bar like most do, I do a slight variation in which I put each hand on the opposite elbow. This is the most comfortable grip I've found.

How much do you front squat?

[bring_the_mosh]

i tried front squats for a few weeks to supplement my 5x5 back squat day... i could not get the right feel of the bar in front of me... holding it with my palms facing out made my wrists feel like they were going to snap, holding it with a cross-grip made me feel like i was being strangled by a robot, and using my front delts to "lock" it in ended up bruising my shoulders.

so i kinda just decided front squats were not for me. this isnt a bad thing, sometimes certain exercises just dont feel good so you pick something else.

i started doing box squats instead to supplement my back squats and they feel much better.

[becky21]

Originally Posted by Kiknskreem

How much do you front squat?

My heaviest set is usually 205-215x4 depending on the day.

[Kiknskreem]

Originally Posted by becky21

My heaviest set is usually 205-215x4 depending on the day.

yeeeaaaaaa........ why don't you try the clean grip man, I'm sure it will help your lift.

[Kiknskreem]

Originally Posted by JerG

When I went clean grip, I just wanted to dump the weight forward.

You need to keep your elbows and chest up high.

It is definitely worth the time and practice to develop the required flexibility or 'skill' to squat with the clean grip.

[JerG]

Originally Posted by Kiknskreem

You need to keep your elbows and chest up high.

It is definitely worth the time and practice to develop the required flexibility or 'skill' to squat with the clean grip.

Ok, I might try some practice with the clean grip today. I probably just need to lift my elbows higher. When I last front squatted (just 150lbs after back squats), the weight wasn't hard, but stabilizing my upper body was.

[Kiknskreem]

Originally Posted by JerG

Ok, I might try some practice with the clean grip today. I probably just need to lift my elbows higher. When I last front squatted (just 150lbs after back squats), the weight wasn't hard, but stabilizing my upper body was.

Yea, like any new lift it will take some time, practice, and patience to get used to. Give it a few weeks.

Front squats give your upper erectors a great workout... its not unusual to be more sore in the upper back from some heavy front squats than it is from rows.... especially if the trainee is unadapted to the exercise.

[djansen]

been stretching my wrists and tris and can start to do clean grip, it feels like a whole new move! I like it though.

[CLK-GTR]

keep trying the clean grip. the reason you feel you are falling forward is your elbows arent high enough. it'll take a couple of months to get the flexibility