The powerlifter, U.S. Marine, and academic Fred Hatfield reportedly spent years squatting “only” 550 lbs. He felt he was “wallowing in mediocrity” at that weight, so he scrutinized the movement.

For many people, squats are a go-to exercise to build a strong butt. Squats are an excellent functional movement, meaning they can help make day-to-day movements like bending and lifting easier.

Leg presses and squats both work your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. But squats also work other parts of the body. It’s leg day and you want to work your quadriceps, the large muscles at the front of ...