Posted on November 12, 2012 by Jenny Cromack

Front squats, the secret abdominal exercise

 The front squat is a highly functional lift developing far more than just the lower limbs, it requires tremendous trunk strength and great flexibility at the shoulder girdle.

A study in the journal of strength and conditioning examined a series of exercises on EMG readings of the rectus abdominus and erector spinae group. The exercises compared included

• The front squat 40kg
• The back squat 40kg
• The plank position- held for 30s
• The isometric superman on the swiss ball- held for 30s

 

The results were surprising:

1. Erector spinae activation was superior in both squat variations opposed to the traditional core movements.
2. The plank and the front squat produced similar activation of the rectus abdominus muscle.

 

The results would suggest that for individuals looking to develop the abdominal muscle groups, the inclusion of the front squat would seem advantageous. Particularly because exercises such as the plank promote strength through stability oppose to the functional application of strength during the front squat.

 

If you don’t squat you aren’t squat!