THE FRONT SQUAT : BUILD VITAL STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY Learn the front squat from U.S. Olympic & Team USA coach, Harvey Newton The front squat is a valuable exercise for developing strength in the lower body. It is vital for the successful recovery from a squat clean. Weightlifters generally use a squat to front squat ratio of 2:1, but this varies with the lifter. Additionally, a greater emphasis on the front squat may be appropriate in the contest month leading up to competition. The front squat can also be combined a jerk, or with a power clean-front-squat-jerk combination.