5 Simple Exercises That Build Leg Strength Faster Than Squats After 60

Squats are known for building strong legs, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone. Maybe you’ve never loved them. Perhaps your knees, hips, or lower back no longer tolerate the movement. Or perhaps you want options that still build serious strength without forcing your body into a pattern that feels off. The truth is, squats are effective, but they’re not mandatory.

After 60, leg strength still hinges on simple yet effective training. Compound exercises remain the foundation because they train multiple joints and muscle groups at once. Adding unilateral work helps clean up imbalances that quietly build over decades. When you blend both, you challenge your legs in ways that support real-world movement, such as walking, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance on uneven ground.

Movement variety matters just as much. Your legs don’t wo...