MUSCLES ENGAGED Quadriceps The quadriceps (quads) are a group of four muscles on the front of the thigh. They allow your knee to straighten and provide stability when standing. Your quads are the most important muscle group for maintaining the ability to stand and to walk independently. Glutes Gluteal Muscles (Glutes) are one of the strongest muscles in the body and are the connecting point between your legs and back muscles. Glutes are used in a variety of actions from moving the leg to extending and rotating the hip, as well as extending and rotating the trunk of the body. Equipment Used Barbell A barbell is a piece of exercise equipment used in weight training, weightlifting and powerlifting. Barbells range in length from 4 feet (1.2 m) to 8 feet (2.4 m) and vary in diameter. Exercise Instructions Step 1 Start with the barbell resting across your shoulders with your feet shoulder width apart. Engage your core and keep a slight a bend in your knees. Step 2 Slowly squat down making sure to keep your back straight and your chin up. Keep the distance between your knees the same during the decent of the squat. Step 3 Stand back up pushing through your heels. Keep you core engaged, back straight and shoulders pulled back during the entire exercise.