Squats vs. Lunges: Which One Should You Be Doing (and Why)? When it comes to building strong, functional legs, squats and lunges are two of the best exercises out there. But while they both target the lower body, they’re not exactly interchangeable — and depending on your fitness goals, one might suit you better than the other. So which should you focus on: squats or lunges? Let’s break it down. What’s the Difference Between Squats and Lunges? Both are staples in leg day routines, but here’s how they stack up: Squats Balance challenge:  Low Muscle symmetry:  Equal effort on both legs Core activation:  Moderate Lunges Balance challenge:  High Muscle symmetry:  One side at a time Core activation:  High Squats: The Power Move Muscles worked:  Glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, core Squats are a  bilateral movement , meaning both legs work together. That makes them perfect for building overall strength and power — the kind you use every time yo...