Switching between front and back squats

MickeS

Hi guys!
I've only done front squats (starting from the floor) due to lack of rack. I've just built one and plan to switch between front and back squats every other workout. Tomorrow is gym day and I'd like to try out the back squats.
Do you think i can start at the same weight (50 kg) or should I lower the weight?
Basically wondering if there is a big difference or one exercise develop the other?

junlex123

All other things being equal you should be able to back squat a fair bit more than you can front squat, but if you've never done back squats before starting light and really nailing the form would serve you well in the long run.

You could either do a lot more warmup sets than you usually do before starting your work sets at 50kg to nail the form or alternatively drop the work weight a bit but go for bigger jumps with each workout for a little while if everything looks and feels good.

Looking forward, as you're going to be alternating between the two you'll probably want to treat them as seperate lifts with seperate progressions, as you'll be selling yourself short if you restrict your back squat to your front squat weight. I'd pair front squat with deadlift so you're hitting your posterior chain every workout. Back squats, especially low bar incorporating hip drive, hit the posterior chain more than front squats.

MickeS

All other things being equal you should be able to back squat a fair bit more than you can front squat, but if you've never done back squats before starting light and really nailing the form would serve you well in the long run.

You could either do a lot more warmup sets than you usually do before starting your work sets at 50kg to nail the form or alternatively drop the work weight a bit but go for bigger jumps with each workout for a little while if everything looks and feels good.

Looking forward, as you're going to be alternating between the two you'll probably want to treat them as seperate lifts with seperate progressions, as you'll be selling yourself short if you restrict your back squat to your front squat weight. I'd pair front squat with deadlift so you're hitting your posterior chain every workout. Back squats, especially low bar incorporating hip drive, hit the posterior chain more than front squats.

Thanks! I figured I would do some extra warmup and find out how the 50 kg felt. Good point paring it with DL didn't think about that and yes I understand that I'm gonna get stronger doing back squats over time. Separate progression it is!