Single Leg Squat

The single leg squat strengthens your quadriceps and glutes to facilitate an improved ability to perform functional activities like standing up from and sitting down in a chair, squatting, and climbing stairs. Increased strength of your lower body muscles also helps to decrease your risk of falls. This exercise also improves your balance since it requires you to maintain a single leg position throughout the exercise.

Begin standing on one foot.

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

• Make sure your 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.