Single Leg Squat

Equipment
None
BODY PART

Purpose

The single leg squat strengthens your quadriceps and glutes to facilitate an improved ability to perform functional activities such as standing up from and sitting down in a chair, squatting, and climbing stairs. Increased strength of your lower body muscles also helps to improve balance and decrease your risk of falls.

Set up

Begin standing on one foot. Keep your opposite knee bent so that your foot is behind you.

Movement

Slowly bend your standing hip and knee, lowering as if you are going to sit down in a chair. Your goal should be to bend your knee to almost 90 degrees. Then return back up to the starting position.

Tips

  • Make sure your standing knee stays over your toes. Do not allow your knee to move inward or outward in relationship to your toes.
  • Do not allow your knee to move in front of your toes. If you notice you have a tendency to do this, think about putting more of your weight through your heel and sitting back as if you are going to sit down on a chair.
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