Squats are a fundamental compound exercise that involves multiple muscle groups to help improve overall strength. They are an effective body resistance exercise that works the lower body and are also functional exercises that can help you with daily tasks, like sitting in a chair and bending down to get something off a low shelf. Squats require several muscles in your upper and lower body to work together simultaneously. The main muscles that squats work are:
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Quadriceps: The quadriceps are the muscles located on the front of your thigh. They are the primary muscles worked during squats.
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Glutes: The glutes are the muscles located in your buttocks. They are the second most targeted muscles during squats.
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Hamstrings: The hamstrings are the muscles located on the back of your thigh. They are the third most targeted muscles during squats.
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Calves: The calves are the muscles located on the back of your lower leg. They are also worked during squats.
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Core muscles: The core muscles include the rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, and erector spinae. They are also worked during squats.
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Hip muscles: The hip muscles, including the hip flexors and adductors, are also worked during squats.
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Lower back muscles: The lower back muscles, including the quadratus lumborum, help to stabilize the pelvis and spine during the squat.
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Upper back and shoulder muscles: The upper back and shoulder muscles, including the trapezius, rhomboids, and deltoids, are also worked during squats.
Overall, squats target a lot of muscles from head to toe, and they provide ample benefits to those who squat regularly.
