What are the primary muscles involved in a squat?

The primary muscles involved in a squat include the gluteal group, quadriceps, and the erector spinae group.

The gluteal muscles, which consist of the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, and gluteus minimus, play a significant role in hip extension and stabilization of the pelvis during the squat movement. They are essential for generating power when pushing up from the squat position.

The quadriceps, which are located at the front of the thigh, are primarily responsible for knee extension. This is crucial during the upward phase of a squat when transitioning from a bent-knee position to a standing position.

The erector spinae group, which comprises a series of muscles along the spine, is vital for maintaining an upright posture and providing stability to the spine as the squat is performed. This helps prevent rounding of the back and ensures proper alignment throughout the movement.

Other choices mention muscles that do play a role in lower body movements but do not accurately reflect the primary contributors to the squat exercise, which focuses on the aforementioned key muscle groups.