Smith Machine Squat Variations (KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!) Most of your leg muscles are active during a squat—but where you place your feet shifts the emphasis toward specific ones. ✅ Feet forward: More glutes. Placing your feet in front makes it more hip-dominant. ✅ Feet under you: More quads. Feet directly under your body make the movement more knee-dominant. ✅ Wide stance: More glutes and adductors. A wider stance increases inner thigh and hip engagement. ✅ Narrow stance: More outer quads. A close