The absolute best leg exercises are the following 3 groups of weight lifting exercises:

1. Squats
2. Lunges
3. Deadlifts

And that's not just 3 exercises, but all variations of those 3 exercise movements.

For example, when I say squats, this is all types of squats:

• low bar squats
• high bar squats
• zercher squats
• hip belt squats
• barbell hack squats
• bulgarian squats
• sumo squats
• different stance squats
• front squats
• goblet squats
• jefferson squat
• pistol squat
• box squat
• safety bar squat
• cossack squats

Same thing goes for lunges too. There are all types of lunges and these are one of the best overall leg exercises in existence!

If you want to build your thighs (upper legs), the 3 exercise movements I listed above are vital to your success.

For example, I recommend full body workouts for most people.

I would design a workout program that includes variations of those 3 movements. Here's an example:

1. Low Bar Squats
2. Stationary Forward Lunges
3. Dumbbell Stiff Legged Deadlift

I would then work very hard on getting as strong as possible on those 3 exercises. Do those 3 exercises for several months and increase the weight as often as possible.

For the lower legs, I would do a combination of these 4 calf exercise movements:

1. Standing Calf Raises
2. Donkey Calf Raises
3. Seated Calf Raises
4. Reverse Calf Raises

Work really hard on getting very strong on the 4 above exercises over a few month period or longer. You can then change to different variations of those 4 exercises.

For example, you might switch from seated machine calf raises to barbell squat raises.

Your lower body is very important and needs to be worked equally. Sometimes squats are enough for some people and not enough for other people.

If your legs are a weakness and you want to prioritize your legs, make sure you use the 3 thigh exercises above and the 4 calf exercises as needed (your calves might be in good shape while your thighs need work or vice versa).