Ever wondered, 'what muscles do squats work?' The squat, often hailed as the king of exercises, isn't just about building a better butt (though it definitely helps!). It's a compound movement, meaning it engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making it incredibly efficient for overall strength and fitness.
Think of your lower body as a well-orchestrated team. The primary players are your **quadriceps** (front of thighs), the workhorses responsible for extending your knee. Then comes your **glutes** (butt muscles), driving your hips forward to stand back up. Don't forget your **hamstrings** (back of thighs), assisting with hip extension and knee flexion.
But the squat doesn't stop there! Your **adductors** (inner thighs) help stabilize your legs, and your **calves** contribute to ankle stability. Your **core**, including your abdominal muscles and lower back, acts as a crucial stabilizer throughout the entire movement, protecting your spine.
So, next time you squat, remember you're not just working your legs; you're engaging a whole symphony of muscles for a full-body boost!
