Ray's Take

Squats are the best lower body exercise, by far.
- Compound movement (requires over 200 muscles to perform).
- Kinetic chain is basically the entire lower body and core. Some work on upper back and shoulders to balance if you are using a bar
- The exercise you can do for a long time and keep improving (and see benefits from improving)

You have to learn to do it right:
- Like deadlift, it's a more complicated movement than you might think, bc many joints and muscles need to work together to do the movement correctly.
- As with deadlift, if you have poor technique, it means part of your kinetic chain did not do its job, and is not getting strong. Can cause injury if you don't have proper technique.

Squat vs deadlift:
- Both work similar muscles (and are both awesome)
- Squat works quads more (front upper leg more)
- Squat is slightly better for strengthening legs in general (and deadlift better for back)
YOU SHOULD DO BOTH

Recommendation:
- Start with 5-10 sets of 8 reps per week. (Can be all on one day or on two or three days).
- Beginners should start with weight that seems pretty easy.
- Everyone must track their workouts and progress.