Sure, some version of the squat and the deadlift should be staples of every program, but they only make you move in the sagittal (forward and backward) plane of movement. They don't require you to go from side to side.
This is a huge missed opportunity for athletes and weekend warriors. No one wants a blown ACL. You want to be able to trust your knees if you need to change direction sideways playing basketball or making a cut on the football field. And you never know when you'll slip on ice or find yourself having to catch your balance when you're in an awkward position.
Adding simple exercises like the lateral lunge or the goblet variation will help your knees and keep your legs more balanced.
Tip: You might not be able to get all the way down like you would with a normal squat. Cool. Go as far down as you can. Once you get a little better at it, add some weight with a kettlebell or a dumbbell.
Use the same starting position and movement as the lateral lunge. Keep the weight tucked under your chin like you would for a goblet squat.
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