UNILATERAL LEG WORK

[Simon C]

As you are working with a much lower weight than you would squat or deadlift with, the carry over to max strength in those exercises will be limited. You are still getting stronger though.

[Frank.S]

Originally Posted by kuri

Let's say you can currently do a step up with x amount of weight, and 4 weeks later you can do it with x +20lbs.

How are you not stronger?

How does having a stronger posterior chain not carry over to squat and DL strength?

Because, how often have you seen a failed max effort squat/deadlift attempt simply due to leg strength? Not very often in powerlifting at all. Most of the time its low back weakness, falling forward in the hole (abs), not being able to handle the weight after racking it and descending poorly.

These are thing things that single leg work makes easier. Less low back involvement, less weight involved (so less weight on upperback, no concentration needed to keep a very tight arch in your back).

[bigDman]

Unilateral work is great for getting tree trunks. Injury prevention and correcting imbalances. It will bring up your p-chain if its week and will help you get stronger. They are good accessory lifts but should never take the place of good old heavy work