Compound — lower body

Squat

Barbell or bodyweight

QuadricepsGlutesHamstringsCore

The squat is one of the most effective exercises for building lower-body strength and muscle. It recruits nearly the whole body and is the cornerstone of most strength programs.

Technique

  1. 1Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes turned slightly out
  2. 2Keep your chest up and your spine neutral throughout the movement
  3. 3Track your knees over your toes — do not let them cave inward
  4. 4Descend to parallel or below for maximum glute recruitment
  5. 5Drive through your whole foot as you stand up

Sets and reps

Standard3–5 sets × 5–10 reps
Strength5×5
Hypertrophy4×8–12

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