If you love the gym, chances are you don’t mind squats. But if you’re more of the “kinda-workout-to-stay-fit” guy, you probably despise them. Too bad. It’s going to be the cornerstone of this routine for one simple reason: it works better than any other exercise. There’s really not much to it after that. Just put in the work, and make sure to eat up. Oh, don’t forget to work in some stiff-leg deadlifts on back day.

THE WORKOUT

1. Back Squat, 5 sets x 8 reps
2. Plie DB Squat, 5 sets x 10 reps
3. Walking Lunge, 4 sets x 8 reps each side
4. BB Calve Raise, 5 sets x 15 reps

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*This content was written and produced by Mike Simone for HUMANFITPROJECT and MEN’S FITNESS. The original version of this content appears on MENSFITNESS.com