Squat: The Core Move for Strength and Fat Burning

When working with Squat, a compound lower‑body exercise that targets the thighs, hips, and core. Also known as the squat exercise, it builds muscle, improves balance and supports everyday activities. Understanding the squat opens the door to related moves like the Burpee, a full‑body drill that combines a squat with a push‑up and jump, and to training styles such as HIIT (high‑intensity interval training) that often use squat bursts for cardio and strength gains. Both the squat and these related concepts are key parts of strength training, which is essential for anyone looking to lose weight or improve athletic performance.

Why Squats Matter in Everyday Fitness

The squat encompasses lower‑body power, core stability and joint mobility, making it a foundational skill for athletes and casual gym‑goers alike. It requires proper form—feet shoulder‑width apart, chest up, knees tracking over toes—to protect the knees and maximize muscle activation. When you pair squats with a burpee routine, you get a cardio‑boosting circuit that spikes heart rate while still strengthening the same muscle groups. Adding squat intervals into a HIIT session creates a time‑efficient workout: 30 seconds of deep squats, 30 seconds rest, repeated for 10 minutes, can torch calories and elevate metabolism. Strength training that includes regular squats also supports weight loss by increasing lean muscle mass, which burns more calories at rest.

Our collection below pulls together articles that dive deeper into each of these angles. You’ll find tips on transitioning to barefoot running to keep your feet happy during squat sessions, a 30‑day slimming plan that threads HIIT and squat circuits, and guidance on choosing shoes that protect your joints while squatting heavy. Whether you’re curious about the best exercise for full‑body fitness, want a beginner’s gym routine, or need a plan to burn belly fat quickly, the posts ahead link back to the squat’s core benefits. Keep reading to see how the squat connects to each topic and to get actionable steps you can start using today.