Frankenstein Squat

What it is

This barbell squat variation teaches you to maintain an upright torso and a strong front rack position. It builds foundational strength for front squats and Olympic lifts. The movement primarily targets your quadriceps, while also engaging your abdominals, glutes, and hamstrings.

Technique tips

• Create a stable shelf with forward-pushed shoulders.
• Keep your arms extended straight forward and high.
• Avoid rounding your upper back as you descend.
• Maintain a perfectly upright torso throughout the squat.
• Squat deep until your hamstrings touch your calves.
• Drive through your heels to return to the standing position.

How to track your progress

Log the weight and reps of each set. Straddly turns every set into an estimated one-rep max, so a heavier single and a strong set of eight both count as progress, and it flags a personal record the moment you beat your best.