Front Barbell Squat To A Bench

Learn how to do front barbell squat to a bench with a clear setup, controlled movement, and a technique you can repeat.

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Front Barbell Squat To A Bench: matching illustrations comparing the setup and movement positions
01Set your position02Make the movement

How to do front barbell squat to a bench

  1. This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set a flat bench behind you and set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, bring your arms up under the bar while keeping the elbows high and the upper arm slightly above parallel to the floor. Rest the bar on top of the deltoids and cross your arms while grasping the bar for total control.
  2. Lift the bar off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso.
  3. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances described in the foot positioning section).
  4. Begin to slowly lower the bar by bending the knees as you maintain a straight posture with the head up. Continue down until you touch the bench with your glutes. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement. Keep the feet planted and let the knees follow the toes through a range you control.
  5. Begin to raise the bar as you exhale by pushing the floor mainly with the heel of your foot as you straighten the legs again and go back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Front Barbell Squat To A Bench exercise illustration

Front Barbell Squat To A Bench: muscles worked

Primary focus: quadriceps and glutes.

Better reps before more weight.

Start with a version you can control. Record the same setup and range each time. Add reps or a small load increase when you can repeat the movement without changing the technique.

Plan your next set

Frequently asked questions

How do you do front barbell squat to a bench?

This exercise is best performed inside a squat rack for safety purposes. To begin, first set a flat bench behind you and set the bar on a rack that best matches your height. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, bring your arms up under the bar while keeping the elbows high and the upper arm slightly above parallel to the floor. Rest the bar on top of the deltoids and cross your arms while grasping the bar for total control. Lift the bar off the rack by first pushing with your legs and at the same time straightening your torso. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head up at all times as looking down will get you off balance and also maintain a straight back. This will be your starting position. (Note: For the purposes of this discussion we will use the medium stance described above which targets overall development; however you can choose any of the three stances described in the foot positioning section).

What muscles does front barbell squat to a bench work?

Front Barbell Squat To A Bench primarily trains the quadriceps and glutes. The exact demand depends on your setup, range, and chosen load.

What is the best technique for front barbell squat to a bench?

Use a stable stance and keep the working foot supported. Lower through a range you can control, with knees and hips moving together. Repeat the same depth instead of shortening the movement to add weight.

What can I do instead of front barbell squat to a bench?

Related options include Barbell Squat To A Bench, Front Barbell Squat, Barbell Full Squat. These can have different equipment, range, and movement demands. Open the guides below to compare the setups before choosing a replacement.

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