If you were limited to only one exercise

[inflated]

I was asked this in the gym today, "If you could only do one exercise what would that be and why."
Squats--they are an overall body exercise and should be the foundation of any bodybuilding program.

[inm]

100% agree, overall most useful movement, especially for daily life.

[xythan_shadow]

Deadlifts. They hit everything really really hard.

[msllover]

OK, squats is probably true, but what about those who can't do squats (knees dislocate, its a bitch, but somebody's gotta be flexable). Leg press then?

[mewletter]

I think smith machine squats are better alternative for normal squats. Less demanding on the knees I think.

[inflated]

Originally Posted by mewletter

I think smith machine squats are better alternative for normal squats. Less demanding on the knees I think.

Actually smith machine squats are not less demanding on the knees they just eliminate the need for a spotter on heavy lifts. From a previous poster--leg presses do not come close to squats, leg presses are for the quads squats are an entire body exercise.

Squats stress the whole system--not just legs. To save your knees go down deeper when performing squats---sounds counterintuitive but its true. If you start from an ass to the grass position most of the stress in the beginning of the movement is put on your glutes instead of your knees. If you do not go very deep--(football squats) you start the movement with your knees. Squats are not bad for the knees if they are done correctly.