Having toned, lean legs is a goal for many people. Not only do well-defined legs look great, but they can also improve overall health and mobility. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 exercises that can help you achieve amazing looking legs.
Squats
Why this exercise is great: Squats are a powerhouse exercise that targets the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves.
How to perform a squat: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes facing forward. Lower your hips back and down, keeping your chest up and your knees in line with your toes. Aim to lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the ground, then push back up to a standing position. Adding weight to your squats can increase their effectiveness.
Lunges
Why this exercise is great: Lunges are another great exercise for toning the legs.
How to perform a lunge: Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Take a big step forward with one foot, keeping your knee directly above your ankle. Lower your back knee towards the ground, then push through your front heel to return to a standing position. Repeat on the other leg. Like squats, you can add weight to lunges for an extra challenge.
Deadlifts
Why this exercise is great: Deadlifts are a compound exercise that works multiple muscle groups, including the legs, glutes, and lower back.
How to perform a deadlift: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and grip a barbell with your hands just outside your legs. Keeping your chest up and your back straight, hinge forward at the hips and lower the barbell towards the ground. Keep the bar close to your legs as you lower it, then stand back up to a standing position.
Calf raises
Why this exercise is great: Calf raises are an effective exercise that targets the calves.
How to perform a calf raise: Stand on a step or platform with the balls of your feet on the edge and your heels hanging off. Slowly lower your heels towards the ground, then push up onto your tiptoes as high as you can. Hold for a second at the top, then lower back down and repeat.
Leg Press
Why this exercise is great: The leg press is a great machine exercise that targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
How to perform a leg press: Sit on the machine with your feet on the platform, hip-width apart. Push the platform away from you using your legs, keeping your back pressed against the backrest. Slowly lower the platform back down towards you, and repeat the movement. You can adjust the weight to increase or decrease the resistance.
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