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When one hears the words "health check," a doctor's appointment or blood test might be the first images that spring to mind. But we have a surprise for you: your capacity or lack thereof to do a simple squat can tell you just as much about long-term health and physical independence as either of these.
As the top fitness experts say, your squat number isn't merely a measure of gym performance—it may be a red flag that your body isn't performing at its optimal level. This apparently simple movement is really a potent diagnostic tool for mobility, muscular strength, and functional health at every stage of life.
Squats are one of the most fundamental movement patterns in the human body. Whether you’re getting in and out of a car, picking up your child, or simply sitting down, you’re performing a variation of a squat. And that makes this movement more than just a gym staple—it’s a daily necessity.
"Squats replicate fundamental human movements," says one personal trainer. "They work multiple muscle groups, assist in keeping joints mobile, and are critical to functional tasks of daily living."
And yet, simple as they are, squats can be telling. Being unable to complete a given number of reps, or unable to achieve proper depth without sacrificing form, may be indicative of deeper problems—weak ankles and tight hips, poor balance, and mobility restrictions.
Exercise professionals have defined a series of age-related standards to determine if your squat performance is within a healthy range. These standards consider the normal changes our bodies experience as we age, but still challenge us to be strong and functional.
Here's what optimal squat capacity looks like by age:
In your 20s: 50 bodyweight squats continuously or 10 squats with 40–50% of your body weight
30s to 40s: 50 bodyweight squats or 10 squats with 50–60% of your body weight
In your 50s: 40 bodyweight squats or 10 squats with 40–50% of your body weight
60s: 30 bodyweight squats or 10 squats with 30% of your body weight
70s and beyond: 20 squats using bodyweight or 10 squats with 20% body weight
If you're not meeting these goals, it may not be a matter of fitness at all—it may be a sign of something more serious underlying your physical resilience.
Before reaching for the numbers, experts recommend starting with form first. Good squat mechanics save your joints, activate the correct muscle groups, and seriously limit the potential for injury.
Some of the most important form checks are:
Bodyweight squats are great for beginners or as a warm-up, but progress tends to plateau because of insufficient resistance. That is where weighted squats enter the picture—using dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells increases muscle activation and develops strength more quickly.
It's a myth that getting older automatically leads to physical deterioration. Lifestyle behaviors and chronic inactivity contribute more to loss of mobility and injury risk than your birthdate.
Sustaining muscle mass through functional exercises such as squats promotes:
Squats are a compound exercise that engages multiple muscle groups at the same time:
Primary movers: Gluteus maximus (butt), quadriceps (front thighs), and soleus (deep calf muscle)
Assistants: Hamstrings, calves, and muscles of the inner thigh
Stabilizers: Core muscles, including abdominals and spinal erectors
This full-body engagement is why squats are a non-negotiable in any well-rounded fitness program.
If you’re struggling with your squat form or numbers, it may be due to limited ankle or hip mobility, weak glutes, or tight hamstrings. The good news? All of these are improvable with targeted mobility work and strength training. Here’s how to perform a proper squat:
Consistency is everything. Begin with bodyweight squats, and gradually add volume and resistance as you develop strength.
Squats are more than a fitness benchmark—they're a reflection of your body's strength, balance, and longevity potential. Reaching your age-specific squat count isn't about reaching arbitrary numbers. It's about having your body ready for life, from daily tasks to long-term independence.