Front Squat – Simplified

Overcome these three obstacles to performing this move right—and build powerful legs.

Your lower back rounds forward.

Fix: Squat with your arms straight and the bar on the fronts of your shoulders. This makes your back more rigid, allowing you to maintain the arch of your spine.

You feel as if you’re falling forward when you descend.

Fix: Squeeze a medicine ball between your lower back and the wall, and then squat. You’ll push your hips back and keep your weight on your heels.

Holding the weight in the crooks of your fingers hurts your wrist, elbow, or shoulder.

Fix: Rest the bar on the fronts of your shoulders (arms crossed), and place your hands on the bar. This demands less flexibility from your wrists and shoulders.