My Favorite Leg Exercise

The 1 legged dead lift. There are a couple of reasons I love this exercise: 1) it's very effective 2) it's great for balance and coordination 3) I always feel it the next day:) and 4) it provides a yummy stretch to the hamstrings.

Here's how it works:
Begin with a micro bend in the knees (not locked, slightly bent) with a medicine ball, dumbbells or no weight in your hands. If it's your first time, begin with no weight.
Hinge at your hips and lower your chest while lifting your right leg into the air. Do not touch the floor with your hands but rather slowly lower your arms until your hands are slightly below your knees. Drive through your heel and ball of your foot on your supporting leg to come back to the starting position. Make sure to keep your hips square to the floor.

Do this 10-15 times on one side and then repeat on the opposite.