Which muscles are considered the primary lower body agonist muscles involved in a squat?

In a squat, the primary lower body agonist muscles primarily responsible for performing the movement are indeed the quadriceps and the gluteus maximus, along with some contribution from the adductors.

The quadriceps, a group of four muscles located at the front of the thigh, are heavily engaged during the squat to extend the knee, especially as you rise from the lowest part of the squat. The gluteus maximus, which is the largest muscle in the buttocks, plays a crucial role in hip extension, which is essential for standing up from a squat position. The adductors, located on the inner thigh, also assist in stabilizing the legs and maintaining proper alignment during the movement.

This combination of muscles allows for efficient execution of the squat, supporting strength and stability throughout the range of motion. Other groups of muscles mentioned in different options, such as the gastrocnemius or the hamstrings, do play supportive roles but are not the primary agonists during this particular exercise. Therefore, understanding the main contributors to the squat's mechanics highlights the importance of the quadriceps and gluteus maximus, alongside the supportive role of the adductors.