PULLING OFF THE PISTOL

Go deep with this single-leg squat that challenges your balance, strength, flexibility, and control 

- ALYSSA SHAFFER

FEW EXERCISES ARE AS impressive as the pistol squat. In one move, you can work strength, balance, and flexibility. “Any unilateral move, working one side or one leg at a time, helps you reach your full strength potential,” notes Megan Dahlman, CSCS, owner of Dahlman Elite Training Systems in Aurora, OR, and creator of strong-mommas.com. Pistol squats really challenge the quads, but they also work the glutes, inner and outer thighs, and even the small ankle joint muscles; a strong core helps you put it all together, adds Dahlman.