Loop Band Front Squat

Beginner
  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Place the loop band under both feet.
  3. Bring the other end of the band over your shoulders or hold it across the front of your shoulders.
  4. Brace your core and keep your chest lifted.
  5. Push your hips back and bend your knees.
  6. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the floor or as low as your mobility allows.
  7. Keep your knees tracking over your toes.
  8. Drive through your heels to stand back up.
  9. Squeeze your glutes at the top.
  10. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

    PT Will Duru’s Perspective

    The Loop Band Front Squat is a great alternative to barbell front squats when you want to train at home or reduce joint stress.

    I like this exercise because the resistance increases as you stand up, forcing your legs and glutes to work harder through the top half of the movement.

    It’s ideal for beginners, home workouts, and anyone looking to improve squat technique before progressing to heavier weights.

    Add loop band front squats to your programme if you want stronger legs, better squat mechanics, improved glute strength, and greater lower-body endurance.

    About PT Will Duru

    PT Will Duru is a Personal Trainer, Founder of the 12REPS strength training app, and holds a Sport and Exercise Science BSc (Hons).

    Find out more:
    https://ptwill.com/

    Featured in:

    • Men’s Health
      https://www.menshealth.com/uk/weight-loss/a43323479/40kg-muscle-transformation/
    • The Times
      https://www.thetimes.com/uk/london/article/ai-personal-trainer-fitness-htfzxcjqj?eafs_enabled=false
    • The Telegraph
      https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/diet/weight-loss/eating-more-protein-helped-lose-skinny-fat-dad-bod/
    • The Sun
      https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/38977851/blast-middle-aged-body-fug-summer/
    • Men’s Fitness
      https://mensfitness.co.uk/features/weight-loss-programme-lost-25kg/
    • Coach
      https://www.coachweb.com/fitness/kettlebell-workouts/im-a-pt-and-this-kettlebell-routine-will-strengthen-your-core-without-a-sit-up-in-sight
    • i Newspaper
      https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/best-sports-take-up-every-decade-from-tennis-to-tai-chi-3928912?srsltid=AfmBOopd8dQjp2h2wKD7kUZ3YEcPiLpLHKibOfXC86O13BnmI8RNtGTt

    Exercise Benefits

    • Builds lower-body strength
    • Strengthens the quadriceps and glutes
    • Improves squat technique
    • Increases core stability
    • Improves knee control
    • Suitable for home workouts
    • Requires minimal equipment

    Why Train the Legs?

    Strong legs help you move better, lift heavier, and stay active throughout life.

    Training your legs can help:

    • Build lower-body strength
    • Improve balance and stability
    • Increase athletic performance
    • Support knee and hip health
    • Improve walking and running performance
    • Build stronger glutes and quads
    • Improve overall functional fitness

    What Type of Workout Does This Exercise Fit Into?

    The Loop Band Front Squat works well in:

    • Leg workouts
    • Lower-body workouts
    • Resistance band workouts
    • Home workouts
    • Functional fitness programmes
    • Strength training programmes
    • Fat-loss circuits
    • Beginner workout plans

    Use it early in your workout as the main lower-body strength exercise.

    Sample Leg Workout Programme

    Beginner Resistance Band Leg Workout

    1. Loop Band Front Squat – 3 sets × 12-15 reps
    2. Bodyweight Reverse Lunge – 3 sets × 10 reps per leg
    3. Glute Bridge – 3 sets × 15 reps
    4. Standing Calf Raise – 3 sets × 20 reps

    Intermediate Resistance Band Workout

    1. Loop Band Front Squat – 4 sets × 10-12 reps
    2. Resistance Band Romanian Deadlift – 4 sets × 10 reps
    3. Resistance Band Walking Lunge – 3 sets × 12 reps per leg
    4. Loop Band Lateral Walk – 3 sets × 15 steps each way
    5. Standing Calf Raise – 4 sets × 20 reps

    12REPS Coach Recommendation

    I normally place Loop Band Front Squats at the beginning of a leg workout while your energy is highest.

    A balanced lower-body session could look like:

    1. Loop Band Front Squat
    2. Resistance Band Romanian Deadlift
    3. Bodyweight Reverse Lunge
    4. Loop Band Lateral Walk
    5. Standing Calf Raise

    This combination develops strength, stability, muscular endurance, and movement quality without needing heavy gym equipment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are loop band front squats good for beginners?
    Yes. They are easy to learn and help develop good squat mechanics.

    What muscles do loop band front squats work?
    They mainly target the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, calves, and core.

    Are loop band front squats effective for building muscle?
    Yes. When performed with enough resistance and progressive overload, they can help build muscle and strength.

    Should I keep tension on the band throughout the movement?
    Yes. Maintain constant tension to maximise muscle activation.

    How many reps should I perform?
    Aim for 10 to 15 controlled repetitions for 3 to 4 sets.

Share this exercise

Stay in the loop with 12reps

We know how important it is to stay motivated and informed on your fitness journey. That’s why our newsletter is packed with everything you need to succeed:
By submitting your information, you agree to subscribe to the 12reps mailing list in order to receive my free PDF guides plus fitness video tutorials, nutrition plans and tips and exclusive offers.