Is There a "Best" Way to Squat?

HYPOTHESIS Researchers from the Sport Performance Research Institute in New Zealand wanted to find out which variation of the barbell squat—deep, parallel, or front—produced the greatest activation of the glutes, quads, and hamstrings. RESEARCH Thirteen experienced resistance-trained female subjects performed a single set of 10 reps using their 10-rep max for each squat variation. Electromyography (EMG) electrodes were placed on the quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Maximum voluntary is