For weightlifting, the squat is considered one of the fundamental exercises. However, to me, if I think about it critically, it doesn’t really make sense to me.

What doesn’t make sense to me? Well first of all, certainly lifting up the weight makes sense. However, having to unrack the weight, step back, squat down to an arbitrary depth, and then having to stand back up makes no sense as a movement.

What makes more sense? Setting the weight at about mid height, getting under the bar, and just standing up. Or as I do with the atlas lift, just getting under the bar, lifting up the weight and holding it on my shoulders, and then putting it back.

Moral of the story: there is no really good reason to do a squat in terms of an exercise.