Resistance Band Front Squat

Intermediate
Home Friendly

A resistance band front squat variation that targets quadriceps, glutes, and core to build lower body strength and stability; emphasizes upright posture and increasing tension through the range.

About Exercise

Equipment

Bands

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Abs, Lower Back, Shoulders

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand on the middle of a loop resistance band with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out. Squat down to place the band across the front of your shoulders, elbows high and chest up.

  1. Inhale and push hips back while bending knees to lower until thighs are parallel to floor.
  2. Keep elbows high and knees tracking over toes.
  3. Exhale and drive through heels to extend hips and knees, standing tall.
  4. Squeeze glutes at the top without leaning back.
  5. Repeat for reps, controlling the descent.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Elbows high
  • Chest up
  • Knees out
  • Drive through heels
  • Core tight

Breathing

Inhale during descent to brace core; exhale forcefully during ascent to maintain stability.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel to floor; fully extend hips and knees at top without locking knees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Inspect band for damage before use
  • Secure band under feet center
  • Avoid band slipping by keeping tension
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect back
  • Start with light resistance for form

Spotting

Not required; bands provide self-limiting resistance, but use a mirror or partner for form check.

Common Mistakes

  • Elbows dropping forward
  • Knees caving inward
  • Rounding back
  • Slack in band

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee pain
  • Lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Ankle dorsiflexion for depth
  • Hip mobility for upright torso

Build Up First

  • Basic squat form
  • Core bracing proficiency

Also known as

Banded Front Squat, Loop Band Front Squat, Band Front Rack Squat

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.