Which foot position in a parallel squat would place more emphasis on the adductor muscle group?

Positioning the feet wider than shoulder width during a parallel squat targets the adductor muscle group more effectively. The adductors, located on the inner thigh, play a significant role in stabilizing and assisting the movement in a squat, especially when the feet are positioned wider. This wider stance increases the range of motion at the hip joint and demands greater engagement of the adductors to control the descent and ascent of the squat.

With a wider stance, the femur must move inward relative to the pelvis as you squat down, which engages the adductors to a greater degree. This engagement occurs because the adductors are responsible for bringing the legs toward the midline of the body, making them more active in this position.

In contrast, narrower foot positions (such as narrower than shoulder width or shoulder width) tend to minimize the involvement of the adductors and can shift the focus toward other muscle groups, such as the quadriceps and glutes. Additionally, having the feet parallel to each other without a wider stance also does not prioritize the adductors effectively, as it does not provide the necessary angles that recruit those muscles to a greater extent.