Squats primarily work the muscles of the lower body and core. The main muscles targeted by squats include:
- Quadriceps : These are the muscles on the front of the thigh responsible for knee extension, heavily engaged especially during the upward phase of the squat
- Hamstrings : Located at the back of the thigh, these muscles assist with hip extension and help stabilize the knee during the movement
- Gluteus muscles (maximus, medius, minimus) : These buttock muscles are crucial for hip extension, power generation, and hip stabilization during squats
- Adductors : Inner thigh muscles that help stabilize the hips and assist in controlling knee alignment
- Calves (gastrocnemius and soleus) : These muscles support balance and stability throughout the squat
- Core muscles (abdominals, obliques, lower back) : These stabilize the torso and maintain posture during the movement
Additionally, squats engage other supporting muscles such as the lower and upper back, shoulders, hip flexors, biceps, and forearms to a lesser extent, especially when using weights
. In summary, squats are a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes while also engaging the core and various stabilizing muscles throughout the body
