College Squat Challenge Encourages Fitness Routine
Lewis & Clark athletes and students are participating in daily squat sessions throughout the month of October.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Body Building
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Lewis & Clark College is hosting its annual Squatober challenge in its campus weight room throughout October 2026. The program promotes strength training through daily squat exercises for students and athletes of varying fitness levels.
Why it matters
Participating in structured training programs like Squatober can help individuals build consistency in their fitness routines. By incorporating variations such as front and split squats, the challenge encourages movement patterns that engage the legs, core, and back.
The Squatober movement is tracked via a social media following of 134,000 individuals, demonstrating a broad reach for this specific training format. The effectiveness of the program as a method for establishing long-term workout habits remains under investigation.
The players
Angela Dendas-Pleasant
She has served as the head strength and conditioning coach at Lewis & Clark College since 2013.
Aaron Ausmus
He is one of the co-creators of the Squatober strength training challenge.
Bert Sorinex
He is a co-creator of the Squatober challenge focused on strength training.
Henry Milo Steinborn
A figure who popularized the flat-footed back squat technique in the United States.
The details
The squatting program utilizes various techniques, including front squats and Bulgarian split squats, to provide a comprehensive workout. Participants stabilize weighted bars on their shoulders, which forces the core muscles to engage for balance and support. This movement targets the muscles in the legs, shoulders, arms, chest, and back to facilitate full-body conditioning.
Timeline
19th century: Modern back squats originated in Europe.
1920s: The Flat-Footed Revolution began in the United States.
2013: Angela Dendas-Pleasant became head strength coach at Lewis & Clark.
October 2026: The current annual Squatober challenge takes place.
Health Landscape
The Squatober challenge sits within the long history of the back squat, tracing back to the 19th century and the 1920s Flat-Footed Revolution. Modern programs continue this trajectory by emphasizing accessible, routine-based strength training for diverse fitness levels.
Engaging in new strength programs is worth discussing with your doctor to ensure the intensity aligns with your current physical condition. If you choose to participate, focus on maintaining proper form throughout the squat to maximize benefits while protecting your joints.
The takeaway
The back squat remains a fundamental tool for engaging multiple muscle groups across the body. If you are starting a new routine, prioritize consistent movement patterns and consider consulting a qualified coach to refine your technique.
Further reading
Learn more about strength development and proper lifting technique in our Body Building section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Mossy Log.
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Do you find that participating in month-long fitness challenges helps you maintain a regular workout routine?
