Front squats are a big part of Olympic Weightlifting training re the Clean & Jerk. However, they are not done using the crossed arm method, but rather with a pronated (palms away) just wider than shoulder width grip and elbows way up high so the weight is resting on the clavical (Collar Bone) instead of on the arms. Takes a bit of getting used to due to the flexibility required in the wrists, but it's really the only way to do this exercise effectively when using heavy weight. Usually one can't do the same anoumt of weight as with the traditional back squat. I've found if my back is bothering me to the point where I can't do back squats, I can still do an effective front squat because your back is far more Vertical position wise and that takes some strain off the lower back area. Try them!