Can squats replace cardio?

Squats are typically seen as strength training. They are a resistance exercise that builds muscle and strength in the lower body. However, depending on how you execute them, they can also emulate the cardiovascular benefits that are typical to cardio, so they can overlap between the two fitness types.

Are squats better than cardio?

People who squat can eat more carbs. Running is an aerobic exercise, so it burns fat as fuel. Squats are primarily an anaerobic exercise. This means that its primary energy source is glycogen, which is your body’s method of storing carbs. If you squat, your body burns the glycogen in your muscles.