If you could only pick two of the following lifts, which would you choose?

!nFr@r3d · 08-16-2007, 08:30 PM

When doing Rippetoe's workouts, I found the constant back squatting and deadlifting very straining on the posterior chain, especially the lower back and glutes. I was wondering if doing front squats with deadlifts would be a better combination. I know a lot of people on this site are very pro-back squat and deadlift but I feel that for me (and other people who I have seen), back squats aren't very productive for the legs, especially the quads. I think I'm right in saying that most people can't full squat very safely because of flexibility issues and limb to torso ratios, and the sticking point really becomes the lower back and not the legs. I just wondered if anyone agreed that deadlifts and back squats both mainly work the glutes, hams and back and not so much the quads. Does that mean that front squats and deadlifts might be better for balanced lower body development.

***Obviously you should not limit yourself to two exercises for lower body, it was just for argument's sake

Krunchy · 08-16-2007, 08:33 PM

Give front squats a try, but if you're having flexibility issues (depending on where they are) you may have trouble, as the best way to maximize quad fiber recruitment is to do front squats deep.

Tallbill · 08-16-2007, 08:41 PM

I wouldn't limit myself. If you only want to do, fine. Just rotate which ones you do each week. Every workout doesn't have to be the same you know.

!nFr@r3d · 08-16-2007, 08:55 PM

I guess my question is: do front squats combined with deadlifts offer more balanced leg development compared to back squats combines with deadlifts..?

Tallbill · 08-16-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by !nFr@r3d

I guess my question is: do front squats combined with deadlifts offer more balanced leg development compared to back squats combines with deadlifts..?

And the answer would still be "mix it up". Don't get set on only one thing.