Would I Still Use Front Squats Today?

Probably not.

Now, there are exceptions.

If I’m working with a player who has a fitness test at training camp that includes front squats, then absolutely, we’ll front squat. You should prepare for the demands of your test.

But if there isn’t a specific reason to do them, I usually don’t include them anymore.

It’s not because I think front squats are a bad exercise.

Far from it.

I know a lot of great coaches who swear by them, and I’ve benefited from them myself.

I just don’t think they’re necessary for most of the athletes I coach today.

For me, the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.

There are other exercises that can build plenty of lower-body strength while exposing side-to-side weaknesses, improving single-leg stability, and placing less load on the spine.

That doesn’t mean loading the spine is inherently bad. The spine is designed to tolerate load when it’s progressed appropriately.

I simply don’t think it’s necessary for most adult hockey players when there are other options that accomplish what we’re want to achieve with less overall stress.

Today, I’d rather spend that training time on exercises like split squats, reverse lunges, step-ups, single-leg Romanian deadlifts, and lateral lunges.

Those exercises have given my athletes everything they need to get stronger, move better, and perform on the ice without feeling like they’re missing out because they aren’t front squatting.

Ready to Train Smarter?

If you’re tired of random workouts and want a program designed specifically for adult hockey players, I’ve put together a collection of my favourite beer league workouts.

They’re the same style of workouts I use to help players get stronger, move better, and have more left in the tank by the third period.

Grab your FREE Beer League Workouts here: https://martystrength.com/the-best-free-beer-league-player-workouts/

Give them a try, and the next time you hit the ice, pay attention to how you feel. Stronger. More balanced. More explosive.

Sometimes it’s not about doing more.

It’s about doing the right things.