Single Leg Squat (Sled)

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
sled
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

A unilateral squat variation performed against a weighted sled to develop single-leg strength and stability.

Instructions

  1. Load a sled to an appropriate weight and position yourself in front of it.
  2. Grasp the handles at waist to chest height with both hands.
  3. Shift your weight onto one leg; the non-working leg can extend slightly or remain lightly on the ground.
  4. Squat down on the working leg, bending the knee while pushing the sled away with both hands.
  5. Descend until the working leg’s thigh approaches parallel to the ground.
  6. Drive through the working leg to return to standing position and complete all reps.

Tips

  • Keep your torso upright and core engaged throughout the movement.
  • The knee should track over your toes; avoid valgus collapse inward.
  • Use the sled handles for balance and stability; minimal assistance from arms.
  • Your non-working leg can lightly touch the ground for balance but should contribute minimally.
  • This exercise develops exceptional single-leg strength and stability.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 22 kg 15 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 20 kg 14 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 15 kg 10 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength

Balance Lunge (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about balance lunge (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength

Bulgarian Split Squat (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about bulgarian split squat (trx / suspension trainer)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat (Trap Bar)

Learn more about rear foot elevated split squat (trap bar)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Side-Step Lunge (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about side-step lunge (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength

Single-Leg Squat (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about single-leg squat (trx / suspension trainer)
expert strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength

Split Squat (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about split squat (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Step Back Lunge (TRX / Suspension Trainer)

Learn more about step back lunge (trx / suspension trainer)
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength