Squats Muscles Targeted: Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings Lower body function What are the benefits of doing squats? Squats obviously help to build your leg muscles, but they also create an anabolic environment, which promotes body-wide muscle building. ... So squats can actually help you improve both your upper and lower body strength. What joints are used in a squat? The prime movers in the squat are the muscles around the hips and knees, but all joints below the bel