Squats are the gold standard when it comes to testing overall conditioning. Done right, they engage multiple muscle groups—your quads, hamstrings, glutes, core, and upper back—making them a full-body exercise that builds both strength and endurance. But what truly sets squats apart is their ability to challenge both muscular endurance and strength endurance. Muscular endurance is how long your muscles can perform under sustained effort, while strength endurance is how well your body maintains power output over time. A high-rep set of bodyweight squats tests both, pushing your muscles to their limits while forcing your cardiovascular system to keep pace. In the process, squats reveal your ability to handle sustained physical stress, making them an invaluable gauge of conditioning.