7 leg and thigh exercises that help build strength, stability, and endurance

Strong legs don’t just change how you look, they change how you move through the world. From climbing stairs without getting winded to protecting your knees as you age, leg strength quietly determines everyday power, balance, and confidence. And yet, legs are the body part most people rush through at the gym or avoid altogether. The irony? Your thighs and glutes house the largest muscles in your body, meaning training them properly doesn’t just build strength, it boosts overall performance, stability, and even calorie burn. If you want legs that are not just toned, but genuinely strong, these seven exercises deserve your attention. Squats are the foundation of lower-body strength because they work the quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core all at once. To do a proper squat, stand with y