How to do Single Leg Squats

Legs Exercise Training Workout

Single leg squats, also known as pistols, are a fantastic exercise for leg strength and balance. This exercise works the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, adductors, abductors and erectors. With the single leg squats, you are essentially performing a squat with your entire body weight with little risk of spinal injury.

Pistols mimic real life and athletic movements. The basic premise of single leg squats is to exert power through the entire range of motion of your stance all on one leg. You are essentially performing balance, strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance in one exercise.

To perform pistols, you need to stand on one leg, with your other leg out in front and parallel to the floor. Now, pretend as if you are sitting in a very low chair and extend all the way down until your butt is about two inches from the floor. Now stand up and repeat the movement. You can use a free weight or weighted ball for additional resistance.

That is how to perform a single leg squat, otherwise known as pistols.