#1: Back Squat
Why: Often referred to as The King Lift, the Back Squat is arguably the single best of all leg exercises for overall development. Recruiting a truly obscene amount of muscle in both the lower and upper body, the Back Squat and its numerous variations should be a mainstay in nearly every leg development program.
Execution: Resting the bar on your upper traps, stand with your feet a bit wider than shoulder width apart and toes angled slightly outward. Keeping your chest tall, spine neutral, and weight distributed through your heels, send your butt back and down until your hip joint is parallel with your knee. Drive through your heels and return to the starting position. Repeat for the prescribed number of sets and repetitions.
Great article, Jordan! Right now, my absolute fave leg exercise is the rear-foot elevated split squat (Bulgarian split squat). Absolutely crushes my legs, but feels great on my low back.