Pistol Squat

Squat all the way down on one leg with the other held out straight in front.

Pistol Squat, illustrated

How to do it

Setup

Stand on one leg, the other extended straight forward, arms out for counterbalance.

Steps

  1. Squat all the way down on the single leg.
  2. Keep the free leg off the floor, heel planted.
  3. Drive up without a bounce.

Common mistakes

Heel lifting: the balance is gone; ankle mobility first. Crashing into the bottom: the knee takes the plop; control every centimeter. Free leg dropping: it stays parallel to the floor.

Breathing

Inhale down, exhale up.