front squat/other squat variations

Dalker

I've been doing 5/3/1 and I've stalled on my squat after just 3 cycles. I seem to be struggling a little at the moment, as the app I used to track estimates and graphs my 1RM and they all seem to have dropped. Not sure if I maybe need to eat more.

But back to my question. I'm thinking the first thing I need to do it switch up my assistance work. On my squat day I do my squats then some romanian deadlifts and then some other back exercises. I don't really do anything hitting the legs hard. I do a set of 5x10 squats at a lighter weight on my deadlift day.

I am thinking it might be helpful to add some squat variations to my squat day. I like the idea of learning to front squat as I think it'd help with my form. But my question is how much weight can I start with? Will I be able to front squat the bar? I'm very scared of trying and failing. I am back squatting 47.5kg at the moment.



Sorry for the long post, looks like I've actually asked a few questions.

starbucksbuzz

You might find this article informative - it covers pretty much all things squats.

http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/most_recent/squatmeggedon_all_things_squatting

Edited to add - I would start with the bar front squatting, and do it in the power cage so it can catch it if you fail the lift. It takes some getting used to. Also look up the variations on position / arms - I like cross arms, find it much more stable.