Lower Body Move of the Week: Single Leg Squats

This week's exercise is an old friend of mine!  We were first introduced at the University of Florida where I was an All-American pole-vaulter.  

For the single-leg squat, you are going to need a chair, an ottoman, a coffee table, or some other object around knee-heighth.  Holding dumbbells in each hand are optional! 

• Place your left foot shoelaces down on your chair.
• Lunge out with your right foot until you are a comfortable distance away from the chair.
• Bending your right knee, lower your body down (not forward) until your knee is at 90 degrees.  Be sure your knee does not come in front of your toe. 
• Slowly raise your body back up.
• Repeat for 6-8 repetitions and then switch legs.

Depending on your skill level, three sets of six to eight repetitions will be a great way to tone up your hamstrings, quads, and butt!