What part of the body is primarily stressed when standing on plates during squats?

The knee and patellar tendon are primarily stressed when standing on plates during squats because the squat movement places a significant load on the knee joint as it flexes and extends. When performing squats, especially with added weight or when standing on elevated plates, the angle of the squat changes, which can lead to increased stress on the patellar tendon located at the front of the knee. This tendon connects the kneecap to the shin bone and helps in the movement of the knee during squatting.

As you lower into the squat, the quadriceps muscle engages, causing tension through the patellar tendon. The positioning of the feet on plates may further demand greater recruitment of the knee stabilizers to maintain balance and proper form, thus enhancing the load on the knee and patellar tendon during this exercise. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for training effectively and avoiding injuries related to overloading the knee joint while squatting.