What type of exercise would a squat be considered?

A squat is classified as a closed chain exercise because, during the movement, the feet are in a fixed position contacting the ground. This results in the body moving over the stationary feet, which effectively engages multiple muscle groups and promotes stability. Closed chain exercises typically involve weight-bearing activities where the distal part of the limb (in this case, the feet) remains in contact with a surface while the proximal part of the limb moves. This characteristic allows for greater stability and can also help improve balance and coordination.

In contrast, open chain exercises involve movements where the distal segment (like the hands or feet) is free to move, such as leg extensions or bicep curls. Static exercises involve no movement, focusing instead on maintaining a specific position, while plyometric exercises consist of explosive movements that involve rapid stretching and contracting of muscles, typically seen in jumps or bounds.