Exercise 4 Squats Lower Body Strengthening Squats activate and strengthen the muscles of the legs glutes thighs and calves Developing Cortical Strength To maintain balance and proper form squats engage the cortical muscles to help strengthen the center part of the body Shaping the Glutes Squats effectively shape and improve the tone of the glutes Stimulate Hormone Production Intense exercise such as squats promotes the production of hormones including endorphins improving mood and reducing stress