The Claim

Squats build your thigh muscles (quads and inner thighs) more than hip thrusts do, because squats involve more knee and hip movement that engages those muscles more.

Source: Hip thrust and back squat training elicit similar gluteus muscle hypertrophy and transfer similarly to the deadlift

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
55score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Cause and effect
1 study reviewed
In plain English

Squats build your thigh muscles (quads and inner thighs) more than hip thrusts do, because squats involve more knee and hip movement that engages those muscles more.

See the scientific wording

Back squat training leads to significantly greater hypertrophy in the quadriceps and adductor muscles compared to hip thrust training in untrained young adults, with effect sizes of 3.6 cm² and 2.5 cm² respectively, indicating exercise-specific regional muscle adaptation.

What the research says

1 study

  1. Study: Hip thrust and back squat training elicit similar gluteus muscle hypertrophy and transfer similarly to the deadlift

    The study found that squats made the front thigh and inner thigh muscles grow more than hip thrusts did, just like the claim said — and they measured it accurately with scans.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.