Shoulders: Front Squats or Back Squats
Written on August 7, 2007 at 10:15 am, by Eric Cressey
Q: In regards to shoulder injuries, do front squats place less stress on the shoulder than back squats?
A: This would depend on the shoulder injury in question.
For people with typical impingement problems, the back squat position puts them in the at-risk position (abduction + external rotation). So, for them, the front squat set-up is much better.
For people with acromioclavicular (AC) joint problems, the bar position on the front squat will put some really uncomfortable pressure directly on the AC joint. They’ll handle back squatting a bit better.
So, I guess the answer – as always – is “it depends.”
Eric Cressey
Category Blog | Tags: Building The Efficient Athlete, Magnificent Mobility, Powerlifting, Rotator Cuff Exercises, Rotator Cuff Rehab, Shoulder Exercises, Shoulder Health, Shoulder Impingement, Shoulder Pain, Shoulder Rehab, Strength Training, Unstable Surface Training, Weight Lifting Program, Weight Lifting Routine, Weight Training, Workout Program, Workout Routine
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