Home / Blog / Podcast / Ep. #938: Says You! The High-Bar Squat Is Better than the Front Squat
Written by Michael Matthews
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Is the high-bar squat more effective than the front squat for targeting your quads? Or does the front squat beat the high-bar back squat? What does research say about these variations of the squat and how they affect muscle activation?
I’ve written and recorded a lot of evidence-based content over the years on just about everything you can imagine related to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy.
I’ve also worked with thousands of men and women of all ages and circumstances and helped them get into the best shape of their lives.
That doesn’t mean you should blindly swallow everything I say, though, because let’s face it—nobody is always right about everything. And especially in fields like diet and exercise, which are constantly evolving thanks to the efforts of honest and hardworking researchers and thought leaders.
This is why I’m always happy to hear from people who disagree with me, especially when they have good arguments and evidence to back up their assertions.
Sometimes I can’t get on board with their positions, but sometimes I end up learning something, and either way, I always appreciate the discussion.
That gave me the idea for this series of podcast episodes: publicly addressing things people disagree with me on and sharing my perspective.
Think of it like a spicier version of a Q&A.
So, here’s what I’m doing:
Every couple of weeks, I’m asking my Instagram followers what they disagree with me on, and then picking the more common or interesting contentions to address here on the podcast.
And in this episode, I’ll be tackling the following . . .
“The high-bar back squat is better for targeting the quads than the front squat.”
Timestamps:
0:00 – Which of my books is right for you? Take my quiz and find out: www.muscleforlife.show/bookquiz
2:37 – What is the high bar back squat?
4:13 – What is the front squat?
5:27 – What are the benefits of front squat?
8:31 – What are the key takeaways?
Mentioned on the Show:
Find the Perfect Mike Matthews Book and Program for You in Just 60 Seconds: http://www.muscleforlife.show/bookquiz
What did you think of this episode? Have anything else to share? Let me know in the comments below!
Legion Featured Author
Mike Matthews
Mike Matthews is the founder and CEO of Legion as well as the author of several award-winning fitness books, including Bigger Leaner Stronger, Muscle for Life, and The Shredded Chef.
His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has sold over a million books and helped thousands of people build their best bodies ever, and his work has been featured in many popular outlets including Esquire, Men’s Health, Elle, Women’s Health, Muscle & Strength, and more, as well as on FOX and ABC.
You can find Mike on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.
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