Squats are one of the most effective full-body exercises that promote both and muscle gain. They target multiple muscle groups at once, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and core, making them an excellent compound movement for overall strength and endurance. Performing squats regularly increases your body’s metabolism because large muscles require more energy to function, which in turn helps burn more calories even at rest. In addition to helping shed excess body fat, squats stimulate muscle growth by engaging both fast-twitch and slow-twitch muscle fibers, leading to stronger and more toned legs. Incorporating different variations such as bodyweight squats, goblet squats, jump squats, and barbell squats can challenge your muscles in new ways and prevent workout plateaus.