I work out most days (combination of weight training and running). I'm always looking for new dumbbell exercises to do and might get a real bench and Olympic weight set one day. Used to have one, but I don't really have room in my current home.

So I'm at least a modest fitness enthusiast, but one thing I don't quite understand is this obsession some people have with squats. I'm wondering what the benefits are supposed to be (health, appearance, athletic performance, etc.). I think I could probably point at a few myself, but they've just never added up to the point where I thought, "yes, I need to do this." It almost seems like people just assume they're obligated to do squats.

Thanks for inviting me to your TEDx talk about squats.