Gist
Yes. Front squats are an effective quadriceps exercise because the upright torso and knee travel create substantial knee-extension demand.
Yes. Front squats can build the glutes when depth, effort and loading progress, although the front-rack position often limits the load before the hips do.
Back squats can strengthen the core through heavy bracing. Their trunk stimulus is substantial, although largely isometric. Learn how to programme back squats for the core.
The calves help control the ankle and balance the system, but back squats alone are rarely enough for maximal calf development. Learn how to programme back squats for the calves.
The hamstrings assist and stabilise, but back squats usually create less direct hamstring growth than hinges and leg curls. Learn how to programme back squats for the hamstrings.
Yes. The quadriceps are major contributors to rising from a back squat and respond to progressively challenging training. Learn how to programme back squats for the quads.
Yes. Back squats can build the glutes, especially with sufficient depth, effort and progressive resistance. Learn how to programme back squats for the glutes.
Yes, chiefly through bracing. Holding the load in front increases the demand to resist trunk flexion, although the stimulus remains mostly isometric.
Yes. The wide stance can increase glute contribution, but stance width alone does not replace progressive resistance and adequate depth.