It's no secret that working out your legs is important – they're the biggest muscle group in your body, and strong legs can help with everything from running to squatting to simply carrying groceries. But when it comes to leg workouts, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of exercises that should be included in every leg workout, whether you're working out at home or you have a personal training program in Freehold NJ. So whether you're a beginner or an experienced exerciser, try adding these moves to your routine!
Squats
There are plenty of reasons to love squats. They're a great way to work your legs, and they don't require any fancy equipment. Plus, they can be done just about anywhere. But beyond all that, squats are an incredibly effective leg workout. They target all the major muscles in your legs, including your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. And they can be done with a variety of different techniques to make them even more effective. So whether you're looking to build muscle or burn fat, squats are a great exercise to add to your routine.
There are four main types of squats: bodyweight squats, goblet squats, barbell back squats, and front squats.
Bodyweight squats are the most basic type of squat. You can do them anywhere, with no equipment required. To do a bodyweight squat, simply stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lower your body down as far as you can.
Goblet squats are a great way to add resistance to bodyweight squats. To do a goblet squat, hold a dumbbell or kettlebell close to your chest with both hands and lower your body down.
Barbell back squats are the next step up from goblet squats. They require a barbell and a squat rack, but they allow you to use a much heavier weight. To do a barbell back squat, place the barbell on your upper back and squat down.
Front squats are similar to back squats, but they place the barbell in front of your body instead of on your back. This shifts the focus of the exercise to your quads. To do a front squat, place the barbell across your shoulders and squat down.
Lunges
Lunges are a great leg workout because they target all the major muscles in your legs, including your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. They also help improve your balance and coordination. lunges can be done with or without weights, making them a versatile exercise that can be adapted to any fitness level. Plus, they're a great way to add some variety to your workout routine.
There are several different types of lunges, including forward lunges, reverse lunges, and side lunges. Each type of lunge works your muscles in slightly different ways, so it's important to mix things up and do all three. To perform a forward lunge, step forward with one leg and lower your body until both legs are bent at 90-degree angles. For a reverse lunge, step backward instead of forward. And for a side lunge, step out to the side. Whichever type of lunge you're doing, be sure to keep your upper body upright and your core engaged.
Deadlifts
When it comes to strength training, few exercises are as effective as the deadlift. This move works all of the major muscles in your legs, back, and arms, making it a great exercise for overall strength and muscle development.
There are many different ways to perform a deadlift, but the most common is with a barbell. To do this exercise, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart and the barbell in front of you. Bend down and grab the barbell with an overhand grip, keeping your hands shoulder-width apart. Lift the barbell off the ground, keeping your back straight and your core engaged. Slowly lower the barbell back to the ground, and repeat.
If you're new to strength training, or if you have any lower back issues, you may want to start with a lighter weight. As you get stronger, you can increase the amount of weight you lift.
So there you have it, our list of the top exercises that should be included in every leg workout. We hope you find this information helpful and that it inspires you to join our gym in Freehold NJ to get active and start working on those legs!