Potential Energy (PE)

Note that Muscles do NOT store 'Potential Energy (PE)'

Definition:
Potential Energy, or PE, is a physics term that refers to the stored energy of an object when elevated against gravity. It is defined by:
PE = m × a × d
Where:

• m = mass at the Center of Gravity (COG)
• a = acceleration due to gravity (𝐅_g) rounded to 9.81
• d = vertical distance between the mass and the floor

In three-dimensional space, gravity may be modeled as:
𝐅_g = (0_x, 0_y, F_z)
indicating a vector force acting downward along the vertical axis.

This definition does not include opposing forces such as friction and muscles.

Muscles in the legs and feet oppose the PE from gravity. What you are doing is expending less energy as you did when Rising. Muscles do not store Potential Energy but they do have PFE, (Potential For Energy)