Squat depth checker

It’s a tried-and-true move for a reason: It hits the spot when you’re looking for a workout to quite literally kick your butt.

We’re talking about the functional, no-frills squat.

Squat depth powerlifting

The multi-joint move works your glutes and quads and can strengthen your hamstrings, too.

But there’s just one problem — most people are doing it wrong.

For starters, squatting down far enough (aka scoring good squat depth) is key.

“If you don’t get a lot of hip flexion during the squat, you won’t use your glutes. Depth of squat matters a great deal in terms of improving your glutes and hamstrings,” says Mike Boyle, co-founder of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning and author of New Functional Training for Sports.

RELATED: The 7 Best Strength Moves You’re Not Doing

Squat Science: The Right Technique 

To fire up your muscles in all the right places, here is Boyle’s breakdown of the squat, from the ground up. 

Your lower body: Standing with your feet slightly wider than your hips and with your toes tu

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