If leg day is on the agenda, that usually means squats will be involved.

How do you choose when it comes to front squats versus back squats?

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If its leg day, its time to squat.

woman sweating in the gym

Brittany Robles, MD, is an OBGYN, NASM-certified personal trainer, and founder of postpartum health and fitness site Postpartum Trainer.

But with so many variations, where do you start?

The two most common are front squats and back squats.

Courtney Sergeant is an NASM-certified personal trainer and Equinox instructor.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

Los Angeles-based certified personal trainer

Karena Dawn is the co-founder of Tone It Up.

In the front squat, the weight will be in front of your body supported by your anterior shoulders.

But adding them to your routine safely requires some squat knowledge.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Heres how to do a front squat properly:

Need a visual?

You should feel the burn in your glutes, hamstrings, and quads.

Heres how to do it:

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Brittany Robles, MD, is an OBGYN, NASM-certified personal trainer, and founder of postpartum health and fitness site Postpartum Trainer.

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Front squats versus back squats: Whats best for you?

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

Back squats involve placing the barbell behind the body, focusing more of the attention on the posterior muscles.

Trainers recommend incorporating both into your fitness routine for a well-rounded regime.

But, it also depends on your abilities and fitness goals.

A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.

For example, if youre not that flexible, you may want to focus on back squats.

Front squats, on the other hand, may be a better choice for those with lower-back problems.

However, she notes that front squats require more mobility in the ankles, upper spine, and wrists.

A great starting point is completing 12 reps three times before adding weight.

Then, add weight gradually.

Remember, quality over quantity.

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