{"id":199259,"date":"2023-10-24T11:50:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T16:50:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/breakingmuscle.com\/?p=199259"},"modified":"2023-10-24T11:50:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T16:50:15","slug":"what-muscles-do-squats-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/breakingmuscle.com\/what-muscles-do-squats-work\/","title":{"rendered":"What Muscles Do Squats Work? Maximize Your Benefits from the King of Leg Exercises"},"content":{"rendered":"

The back squat, universally hailed the king of leg exercises, holds a timeless place in the realm of strength training. It’s a basic barbell<\/a> movement that challenges not only your physical strength, but mental strength as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason it is such a tough exercise to conquer has to do with not just muscular power, but muscular coordination, as well. (1<\/a>) When you perform the classic barbell squat<\/a>, you\u2019re recruiting multiple muscle groups at the same time, from head to toe, while coordinating your effort amongst the physical and technical demands of the exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Credit: Monkey Business Images \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While many exercises can have their place in a leg workout<\/a>, if you’re seeking to enhance the muscular density and strength of your lower body, the back squat is the undisputed champion. It puts your muscles to the test, as it demands a level of metabolic dedication that\u2019ll trigger a spike in growth hormone that plays a role in stimulating hypertrophy. (2<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take a closer look and focus on the mechanics of the squat, the muscles recruited, and some simple and effective variations that can help you get the most out of the time-tested back squat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Muscles Do Squats Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n