Single-Leg Exercises Boost Balance and Strength, Experts Advise

Physical therapist Candace Young of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York and personal trainer Connie Sciolino of Boulder, Colorado, recommend adding single‑leg movements such as single‑leg squats, box squats and other unilateral drills to improve balance, core stability and coordination while correcting leg dominance and muscle imbalances. Young said, "There’s no cheating with single‑leg exercises," because they reveal strength gaps immediately.

One‑legged hopping, a simple equipment‑free exercise, also raises heart rate, strengthens calves, hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes, and enhances mental focus, making it a versatile addition to fitness routines for overall health and injury prevention.