Front Squats vs. Back Squats: Which Is Better? [Infographic]

Squats are making a comeback. This once outdated exercise is now considered one of the best things you can do for all-around fitness. Squats use every almost every muscle in your core and lower body, making them one of the best compound movements you can do.

So, say goodbye to the time when we thought doing squats were bad for our knees and say hello to adding squats to your exercise program.

Your training goals and joint flexibility will determine which you should incorporate into your program. Let’s break them down to see exactly what they do and see which one lines up with your overarching goals.

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Why Squats?

These exercises can help prevent knee pain while also trimming your hips and thighs. They are GR8 functional moves that help you do the activities of daily life – getting pots out of a bottom cabinet or picking up shoes, clothes, or dog toys off the floor.

Squats also help build strength in the hips and legs, and stronger muscles mean your joints are more stable. What’s not to love? This brings us to the question: front squats or back squats, which are better? And the answer is, annoyingly, it depends.