ACE Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam

What type of exercise do squats primarily enhance?

1. Aerobic capacity

2. Muscle strength

3. Flexibility

4. Endurance

The correct answer is: Muscle strength

Squats primarily enhance muscle strength because they are a compound movement that engages multiple muscle groups, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. When performed with the right intensity and resistance, squats create a significant load on these muscles, prompting adaptations that lead to increased strength over time. Muscle strength training, like that provided by squats, is essential for improving overall functional fitness, allowing individuals to perform daily tasks with greater ease and efficiency. This type of exercise promotes muscle hypertrophy, increases bone density, and boosts metabolism, all of which contribute to better physical performance. In contrast, exercises that primarily enhance aerobic capacity focus on cardiovascular endurance, flexibility exercises improve the range of motion in joints, and endurance workouts build the ability to sustain prolonged physical activity — none of which are the primary benefits of squatting.