Had lyme disease in my 20s that affected my knee joints and that combined with trashing my knees skateboarding in my teens, barbell squats were hell on my knees in my 30s. Started doing single leg squats with controlled tempo and after a few months, i never feel knee pain, even if i hack squat 300+ lbs. That exercise alone bullet proofed my knee ligaments.
I had awful ankles while playing lots of sports through k-12. Just constantly rolling both ankles. Single leg squats became a staple exercise for me by second rugby season and I managed multiple seasons with no ankle injuries.
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u/recyclopath_ 21h ago
Single leg squats are so freaking good for you. Just in avoiding injuries in daily life!