What happens when you increase foot width during a squat?

Increasing foot width during a squat significantly affects muscle recruitment patterns. When you adopt a wider stance, the emphasis shifts from the quadriceps to the gluteal muscles. This is due to the altered mechanics of the squat, where a wider foot position allows for more hip flexion and external rotation, engaging the glutes more effectively.

The glutes are primarily responsible for hip extension, and a wider stance facilitates greater activation of these muscles as opposed to a narrower stance, which tends to engage the quadriceps due to their role in knee extension. This change in foot position not only modifies the load on the legs but also promotes improved stability and depth in the squat, allowing for a more comprehensive workout targeting the lower body.

Thus, by increasing foot width during a squat, you decrease the reliance on the quadriceps while increasing the activation of the glutes, making this answer accurate.